Sprint/Asurion Just a flat out ripoff, Internet

I bought an HTC Evo for $500 and have used it normally for less than 6 months.  I pay $7/month for "Total Equipment Protection". Last week, the "top" button stopped working, and my phone became unusable.  I took it to the Sprint store, and was told that it had physical damage and would need to be replaced, and that I should file a claim with Asurion.  Of course, Asurion required a deductible to replace the phone -- $100.  

In summary, I paid $500 for a phone that didn't last 6 months.  $7/month enabled me to ~only~ pay $100 for a NEW phone, which will probably less than  6 months.  

I was ok with the $500 initial investment -- it's the $300/year defacto maintenance fee that has caused me to file this report.  If you're thinking about the HTC EVO with Sprint, be prepared to pay thru the nose -- I have the $99/month plan but every time I turn around, my balance due is over $400.

$99 Sprint money = about $150 your money.