Just wanted to report that I was one of those who ordered at the $169 price, but who was then charged an extra $20 when the agent adjusted my order (single line upgrade on a family plan). I spoke with an online agent yesterday night, and they credited me back my $20 this morning.
Also, unfortunately, my EVO had a backlight issue. It isn't the more common, negligible issue that a lot of people have reported, where there's a little leakage below the capacitive buttons. My screen actually looks like it's warped a little, and bright light is leaking onto one corner of the screen:
http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8861/p1000324small.jpg
That's a pic of someone else's phone, but it's almost exactly the same issue that's present on mine.
Unfortunately, Wirefly could not issue an advanced exchange for me (they ship out a new phone first, with a $250 deposit charged, which is then refunded when they receive the defective phone), since they don't have the phone in stock. So, I'm having to do a traditional exchange (I ship in the phone first, and when they receive it in a week, I'll be placed on the backorder list for the phone). That kind of sucks, and I'd asked them if I could just do the advanced exchange option, which would place me on the backorder list earlier (by today) instead of waiting until my defective phone arrives in their hands (in about a week) to be placed on the backorder list. Unfortunately, the agent informed me that that wasn't possible
Lastly, like many people, I also had trouble activating my phone, even after 24 hours. In my case, that's been a good thing, since I had to send my defective EVO back. Otherwise, I would have been without service for the next few weeks!!! (time to ship back my EVO from California + time waiting on the backorder list + time waiting on a new EVO to be delivered back to California). It seems as if I'll still have to wait that long, but hopefully my old phone will continue to work because my EVO never succeeded to accomplish the auto handsfree activation.
In summary, I've had a mixed experience.
1. Wirefly initially charged me more than I was told, because their online system did not allow for an easy single line upgrade on a family plan.
2. The presence of Wirefly agents here and at other forums has been reassuring and helpful.
3. They eventually refunded the $20 difference, and besides, with Bing cashback, it's a great deal!
4. I've had activation issues.
5. Since I have a defective version of a really popular phone, I'm out of luck and am going to have to wait
at least a couple weeks to receive a replacement, meanwhile risking my existing phone being cut off as the EVO is being activated.
So overall, Wirefly does offer an amazing price, and my experience with customer service has overall been good. However, under certain circumstances like mine (defective unit, sold-out phone), my purchase with Wirefly can/has become a major inconvenience. I purchased another one of my EVO's from Best Buy, and while I paid about $100 more (after taxes), it was extremely convenient, and if I'd had issues with that phone, I could have just brought it directly back to the store for an immediate exchange (I'd have to wait for them to get the phone back in stock, but wouldn't have to spend the extra time waiting for shipping both ways).
I hope this helps as people decide where to purchase the phone from. I suggest going with Wirefly if you're looking for the absolute best price, but would also recommend a storefront like Best Buy or Radio Shack if you're looking for the most convenient experience.
