The Trophy update mentioned earlier and 8107 are not the same thing, so I'm pretty sure 8107 is not going to fix the problem. I'm not aware of any way to get the Verizon update since it hasn't been released to anyone as far as I know. We just have to wait for Verizon to give it the all clear.
Correct, The forced 8107 is just the WP7 software, not the radio/firmware. In the update it says that it updates the radio to a new version. The MS update that you force is cross carrier/device, it's just software fixes, not radio.
As I did the manual upgrade process 7720>7740>8107, it fixed a lot of little issues but, still a problem with running connection setup.
Advice.
1. For now, Use the backup method said a few pages back. Do a full backup before you leave on your trip, this is just incase everything fails. Keep a little note in your wallet/purse for a few contacts that you NEED to call when you first land/get back to the US, just in case.
2. I saw this method on XDA, not sure if it works on every one's case but, here we go. It's worth a shot for some people.
In Celluar, change "Mode Selection" from CDMA to GSM when your leaving the US. Run Connection setup as needed on your trip for your location(with it on GSM), When you RETURN and in CDMA coverage, run connection setup, set for US and Verizon. After that go in and change it from GSM to CDMA. Your 3g will be fine and No problems getting back on CDMA/3G.
It's worth a shot, I have not left the US to try this so, unless someone wants to send me a few tickets to someplace tropical, they'll have to try it on their phones