(while I'm within the 17,500 feet technically limit for it, Verizon work within 15,000 feet).

Is that number from their quick-check while you hold on the telephone? Or from an actual line walk?

When I moved into my house, I was originally told I was at 18k, but they ordered an actual line walk and discovered I was really at 13k.

Too bad my CO hasn't been upgraded to support DSL yet...