Just a thought--
Have you put your complaints/explanations to various companies in writing? Somehow a paper letter seems to get things directed to the right people more quickly. I've had my share of idiotic things happen since I moved here, and I've found that a sharply worded letter is more effective than calling customer service.
I think that if any of the problems that you have had, I would have consulted a lawyer. How much does it cost to have someone check the legality of what people are telling you, and write a letter on your behalf? Is there a legal department at your company? Can you persuade someone you work with to do this?
Also, I don't know if you got a phone contract sorted, but when I first moved here one of the other international students in my department got a contract plan (Orange, I think). They had to pay a "deposit" (about £150) that was then applied to their bills after a certain amount of time on the contract.
