I pay full price, and use cheap MVNOs for phone service. Ends up being much cheaper and no mobile carrier shenanigans polluting my phones, sim lock, etc.

Same. I buy the phone I can afford. And then I pay for cell coverage I can afford. And then I go about my life living it logically.

You didn't trade in your old phone?

I do trade in with Apple, or resell it.

So.... did you pay full price at Apple? (No.)