Here's another angle, although I almost hate to suggest it... the bottom line is (IMO, of course)
1.) You didn't make the unsafe phone; you bought it with goodwill, expecting it to be safe.
2.) You shouldn't be punished because Verizon somehow uses this as a loophole.
3.) Approx. 100 issues (some probably faked) out of 2.5 million phones is 99.996% safe. You're probably safe for at least a day or two while you try to find reasonable people to speak with.
Again, call Sammy. Tell them how hot your phone is getting. Get them involved and let the chips fall where they may. If you lose your data plan, which I believe(?) you said was worth about $5000/year to you, then sue Samsung. Lawyers will salivate over working with you. They will likely settle out of court, and you will be done.