Well, I'm disappointed in this. I bought the 735 in July, and LOVE it, LOVE it, LOVE it. That VZ is not going to support Windows phones (assuming the worst) is incredulous!!! I really don't care who's fault it is. It appears VZ is cold shouldering MSFT, so MSFT needs to do some damage control (aka, open the wallet). MSFT hasn't really done anything to see that our stupid providers in the USA are compensated or educated. Then they apparently haven't done much to attract developers. So from that aspect, I can see why VZ is not wanting to invest - but if that's the case, they should allow unlocked IMO.
I doubt I'll leave VZ immediately, as I will give an opportunity to see if VZ will come on board. Let's hope T-Mob gets in too.
Unfortunately, and not to sound like an arrogant American, the US market is for sure a driver and can quite possibly make or break MSFT's plans. Too many people I know, including to some extent myself, remember the bad days of AT&T (and Cingular) and will have to be really convinced to go them. Cutting out that much market share in a market where people buy phones yearly (or less) is not a good market strategy.
Do I have the answer, no; but I do know it's not "we won't play with VZ" if that indeed is the case.