Verizon stores and new phone shopping

I went to the Verizon store tonight hoping to find a replacement for my Motorola V-710. I told the woman I was looking to switch my plan to add text messaging, so i was looking for a phone with good reception and was a little more text friendly than my current phone. Her first recommendation is the LG VX8300, she says this is her favorite phone and I can get a good deal on it. Unsure how this makes texting any easier I ask her about the EN-V and the Samsung U-740. I like the clamshell design over the candy bar design because I feel it is just more comfortable for talking and I still use my phone for talking more than anything. I tell her that reception is also very important and does she know if the 740 has good reception, she informs me that all of the phones have the same reception, is this true? At this point I get the impression that she is not really helping me so I thank her and just play around with some of the phones so I can look a little more online.

Does anyone know firsthand if the 740 has strong reception and call quality?
Also did I just get a bad rep at the store or are they all like that? I am thinking I may be better off shopping online.

No they are not all like that. And no not all phones have the same reception. I've had great phones and crappy phones. Of course it's hard for them to say overall because they don't know where YOU will be using it. What I usually do is go to my local verizon store about a month before I'm due for new every 2. I just "browse." But what I do is pay attention to the sales people and how they interact w/customers. When I come across one that seems patient, helpful and knowledgable I note their name. Then just make sure they are on when I go back. It's a bit time consuming, but has been worth it. I have had good sales people and then those that just want to be done w/you and move on to the next customer. Good Luck!