BlackBerry Forums Support Community - Help needed PLEASE!(Q's about apps, how to download apps and the pearl flip phone)

Originally when I was looking for help, I found some forums including here,and I had been looking to find help because my texting ability disappeared out of the blue (could not send/receive) and now I was able to get it fixed..(y). I took it in to the store and had the phone wiped (and my contracts transferred back on). They wiped my phone and reloaded the software.

So - now my texting IS finally working again, BUT- now I no-longer have a bunch of the apps that I used daily- including notepad, and ALL the games I had (there are NONE now! ). Also, autotext was turned on and now it won't shut off!!! It's driving me nutty! I called Telus tech and they walked me through going into the options and turning it off but even after turning it off, it was STILL on. Then after re-booting the phone it was still adding the auto text even though under options it says it's disabled..... I am extremely frustrated with this stupid phone. So many problems and you fix one another pops up. The tech guy says that it sounds like a software problem- it's obviously not something I did. It's the phone itself. I think that blackberry should exchange it or fix it! :x
Any ideas on how to fix it or get it fixed? Or at least HOW to download those apps back onto my phone and where to get those apps..... :???:
Should I just buy a new phone (I have very little $ as I am a permanently disabled student and have very little income)? I was offered to buy out my contract (25 months left @ $10/month = $250) and buy an iphone for $300 or android or windows (both for $0 up front if I signed up for another 3 year term)... I really could use some help as to what I should do or how to fix my phone (and get those apps back- also HOW do I get apps?)