[xandrius]

Not sure if you're genuinely asking because there are a dozen proven ways to verify identity or residency either digitally and physically without being locked down to 2 mobile OSes owned and controlled by 2 American companies.

[sokoloff]

Exactly, as was demonstrated by GGP's "had to go through to second level support". That seems perfectly reasonable to me, yet seems somehow objectionable to GGP.

"Can you believe that I had to prove my identity to the support group in charge of requesting replacement cards in order to get a replacement card?!"

"Uh, yeah, that makes total sense; what part of this tale of woe is surprising or interesting?"