You bought the phone from a ATT store. How is that Apples issue? Apple sales the phones to ATT. If ATT doesnt accept them afterwards, how is that Apples fault? It is not ATT's or Apples fault that you did not read the return policy, regardless of your circumstances. They run a business. Being a business man, you should know how it works.

Why would you go out of your way to buy a phone with the intentions of returning it in the first place? Thats illogical at best. That makes no sense at all to me. I think there is something in this story you are not telling.

So to recap, its your fault you didnt read the return policy, its your fault you bought the phone with no intention to use it and its your fault that you cant return the phone. Dont place blame on others because of your mistake.