You're absolutely right, but let me just say that a lot of the incentives hinged on trading in a device, and for some folks, that either was not an option due to not having a device, or because they might have been jumping from a device that either didn't get full credit, or so little credit that it didn't make sense to trade it in.
As for early adopters, i don't think we fully knew because all the reviews were relatively glowing, or specific situations weren't tested to give you enough information until after the fact, when you had already traded in your device, signed up for rebates, and were already stuck. That's just how it is, and that's why there's a review embargo on all devices...because sometimes, companies don't want you to know about the flaws until you already have the device yourself.
And you're right, worth is subjective. What everyone can expect to come attached with a specific pricetag is relative, but that argument for relativity can't make shortcomings acceptable because it's "still a good phone for some people". At some point, the premium you charge should come with a premium product. No one is expecting perfection, but less flaws out the gate would have been nice.