Let them give you HECK all they want.. the OFFICIAL AT&T website, and the CPSC and Samsung all said "In any condition" that means that the dealers cannot place any restrictions or refuse any recall return. PERIOD!!! Call and complain, take it to the government, take it to another AT&T store, take it to the call center... they MUST follow their own rules. You cannot be forced to keep a bad handset under any circumstances... that is the LAW in the US now that a recall had been officially declared by the CPSC.
It a lot simpler than 90% of us are making it. Walk in to the swap and leave....maybe some paperwork in the middle. If it doesn't go that way, walk out and start calling people to make it that way. Don't yell, don't be rude, just be clear. "I want to follow the rules, I would appreciate it if you would too". There are literally thousands of people involved handling the recall.. you are bound to get an ***** or 2 who insists on making up their own rules. Be patient, and it will be fine.