Yes I am aware of that. Sorry I didn't clarify. I have two upgrades ready, but like you said I cannot use them without losing my unlimited data. You are missing option number three, you can use a phone that is off contract on any line. What I did to upgrade to the 8X was a "piggy back" upgrade. I used another line to upgrade to the phone, then immediately switch back to the previous phone on that line thus kicking the 8X off and making it unlocked essentially. Then I just added that to my line and Blam! Don't have to get unlimited. So..
TL

R what I meant was see if. Can find a friend or family member with Verizon who has an upgrade but doesn't need it, pay them for the upgrade, switch phones and keep all my precious data.
Side note, are there any WiFi teetering apps for wp8? Only real reason I keep unlimited data mostly.