That's interesting, someone else had mentioned that. Which generates a couple of other questions:
Can the phone be unlocked?
Can you use a SIM card from another carrier if you go overseas?
Is there GSM backup frequencies if you go overseas and LTE isn't available
1: Not locked. 3G global phones are locked mostly to prevent roaming accidents, which is why we go through a bunch of FYI stuff before unlocking them. Essentially, no matter who's sim you stick in a 3G phone, the CDMA radio still has your US number programmed in, meaning you're dual NAMing. (Running multiple phone numbers from the same device.) So before unlocking the phone, reps have to go through a bunch of "we're not responsible for your roaming charges" thing. There is no danger of this with the 4G phones, as the LTE SIM handles CDMA as well, much like the chinese carriers.
2 and 3: Depends on the phone and what technologies are available. Mileage my vary. For what it's worth, on phones that have no GSM available, I've had customers pull off 4G data-only connections in some places. Some phones have GSM available (like the RAZR), some don't (like the Thunderbolt), and some are waiting on firmware upgrades (Galaxy S3). We can't guarantee the phones will work on ANY other carrier, but you're welcome to try!
For what it's worth, I can't think of anything running on our phones that would prevent an entire OS launch. But then again, I just troubleshoot the internet connections.
Also, yes, last I checked the Trophy is on clearance. Honestly, with the way things typically go, I take this as a sign of new phones coming. Also, postponed trainings are usually due to call volume and how many reps are available. If they have a sudden influx, trainings get delayed or postponed.