When I worked customer service for Comcast and Cingular, I had no problems with being a complete asshole back to assholes/bitches. Either would hang up, put you on hold and take a break to test your endurance, or transfer you to the Spanish line. Bitch and you were less likely to get what you wanted.
Calmly state your frustration without being a bitch and taking "no" for an answer, I'd hook em up.
It does say pretty clearly you need a blackberry data plan when you purchase a blackberry. Insurance with T-Mob has always been $5 a month for me, and when it broke it was $110-150 to have the phone replaced.
Within a year, if it's damage you caused, they will replace through the warranty even if you don't have insurance.
Insurance is for people that can't take care of their phones and crack screens or drop them in toilets, then you're going to pay a deductible.