Which is my thinking too... unfortunately we have to keep this carrier and this number (business reasons). I was thinking a different number and then forward this number to this device.
For testing to prove the issue, this should be simple. Just get a second phone and forward the number as you say. Also make calls on the original phone to capture whatever Verizon wants.
It me it seems the OS just gets out of the way more and lets me do what I want to do. With Android the OS kinda gets in the way of doing tasks more and doesn't let me just work without having to think about it. If that makes sense.
Interesting enough,.. I'm still running into the issue of OWA showing new email. Last time I check email, the OWA icon showed 12 but I opened it up, and had only three emails and none of them were new.