I, like most people in this world, have chosen to accept the fact that apple is unfair and a necessary evil.
Once you've accepted this truth Best Buy Mobile in the mall is about the happiest place you can go to spend money on an iPhone. (Or just get tech info in general). Dalton was extremely helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. After going through the usual guessing of my Verizon password he was able to help me with what I needed.
Absolutely avoid simply mac. They are not helpful. I would rather WALK to the Chicago Apple store OR if it's raining I would just walk down the road in the mall to Best Buy!