PPrune Pop,
You wont need a PAC code unless you want to port your number to a different network - at that point the PAC is used to verify that the customer has consented to the move - i.e. you quote that as authorisation for the move.
I dont for a second think you were looking for sympathy and yes the mobile tariffs are under review with ofcom. However whilst the locking of phones may seem to annoy people it is only ever done to protect the return of investment of the mobile provider.
A simple way to look at this is had you gone to a store and bought an unlocked blackberry then you would have paid the full market value which I would imagine is considerably more than what you were willing to pay.
It all has to get paid for somewhere - so the person who got the free upgrade and sold the phone on to you has a few quid in their pocket now and you now have a new phone - that phone still has to be paid for and the only reliable way will be via the tariffs.
If and when ofcom etc say that the tariffs are too expensive and legislate it down then you can kiss the opportunity to get a "free" phone goodbye and everyone will have to purchase the hardware.
I do appreciate that you were trying to warn others off from a scam - but my point is more that if you to play the game and try get something for nothing dont be surprised if those people your playing with are doing the same.