I do know how Verizon functions. I also know that the only reason reps sell some phones over others is due to personal bias and returns. I was at a store the other day and none of them will sell a S3 or a 822 because there are so many returns and customer complaints. Obviously this varies by store, but there is literally zero financial obligation to any phone at a rep level. At a company level, WP is preferred, but its hard to teach trained salesman to take risks on new products.
Let me inform you how it works then.
Each rep has a weekly & monthly quotas against certain OS/devices. For example certain phone cannot exceed more 10% of their sales.
There are bonuses mostly from manufacturers and also sometimes Verizon which goes from $5 to $50 per device they sale.
Some devices are easier to sale accessories with than others. For example Micro-SD card slot etc. as reps has accessory quotas as well
Verizon may also want to promote a device. Each reps is responsible to explain the features of the featured device (s).
Your other comment about talking negatively about devices is strange as it may lead to the termination of the rep. (assuming you are talking about a corporate store). I would like to know which branch you went to.
Also 822's ROR and CFA are one of the lowest among current devices. There is a reason why 822 is selling more than 920 or any windows phone in U.S.
Lastly Verizon cares about which device /OS is more cost efficient and can promote their services the best. Hence they would do everything to be less depended on devices that isn't in their best interest ie iPhone and GS4