Galaxy Nexus $289 at Costco?

[jntdroid]

I'm going to close this as it's an outdated post that could be mistaken (due to the subject) as "new" news... and given how hot of a topic this is, I don't want to stir up any more than already is being done.

To answer the questions...

What do you think is the best plan of action to try to get them to overlook this rule..?

There is no official way to do it. Best Buy is the same way, but most of the people I worked with in two stores here had no problem exchanging for a different phone after the 14 days. Just tell them up front what you want to do and hope for the best.

I am eligible for an early upgrade with Verizon. Is that something that can only be used in corporate stores or can I use an early upgrade at costco?

If you're eligible for an early upgrade, Costco/Best Buy/etc should all be able to see that, as far as I know. You can call VZW to check (don't go to a store and ask that), but that should be the case.