Update: Just got off the phone with Verizon (*611) ... I explained the 3 issues above, and they were super nice and said they would waive the $35 exchange fee since I have been with them so long...and that they would rush me out a new Thunderbolt...and I have 10 days to return this one back to them...
I was going to just return it...but they were so nice and seemed to really understand...so I'm just crossing my fingers that the new bolt they are shipping out to me do not have the issues this one has with the phone shutting itself off on its own, and continuous not recognizing the SD card is installed from time to time...I understand of course the no/low sound recording issue is being looked into by HTC so I know that won't be fixed with the new phone, but I can wait on that part if I can get rid of the other 2 issues plaguing my particular bolt...wish me luck with the new one!