What a difference four days makes... 72 little hours...
I phoned Virgin again this afternoon. Wow.
Just like last week, I went for option 2, change your package. This time, instead of some dimwit who'd never heard of the VIP package, I spoke to a friendly Mancunian (I didn't know there were such things!) who just sorted everything out for me. Everything.
He knew what the VIP pack was. He could see from my notes that I'd tried to order it last week. He booked the installation for me -- for the day after tomorrow. Perfect.
Well okay, not quite perfect. I still don't understand why I need a second bill and a second direct debit for the broadband -- if somebody could explain this madness to me, I'd be grateful. I also don't understand why I can't have the extra channels and faster broadband until the V+ box is installed, but nevermind, it's only two days.
In total, I was on the phone for 12 minutes, and spoke to just one person. That's exactly how it should be. If this had happened when I tried to call last week, I'd have been perfectly happy. I have a feeling that had this same guy answered the phone last before, everything would have been okay, but instead it was a complete muppet who couldn't do his job properly.
So anyway, all's well that ends well. Much of the damage has been repaired, and I no longer think that *all* the CS staff are terrible. Now let's just hope the V+ installation is painless...