I'm wondering about that, too. I get the feeling that the software is modified to encourage us to pay to download songs.
I haven't seen that option since my VX6000. For my VX8100 and my friend's VX8300, I used bitpim to transfer mp3s to the ringtone folder, via either data cable or bluetooth connection.
I was beginning it was just me. When I was with a group of co-workers I played different sounds that had been sent to me. Some wanted me to send them the 'sounds' so they could use as ringtones. To my surprise they were able to. Some were non Verizon customers some were Verizon customers. I don't get it.... How some Verizon customers have the options and some don't. I had to use bitpim with a data cable to be able to use the 'sounds' as 'ringtones. :headscrat
Sounds as ringtones, without Bitpim: Edit an mp3 [or .wav, etc] using a desktop application like Audacity. Send the file to a microSD card using a reader, etc. Load the file into a directory you create when you formated the card on your phone - this creates directories for My Pictures, My Sounds, etc. Put the new file in "My Sounds". Put the card back into to your phone, and send the file to your own number as a MMS message. In about two minutes, you'll have a file that you can set as a sound OR a ringtone. Things to remember: 1) This may eventually go away as Verizon catches on to this technique and disables it in future releases 2) You need to keep the file size around 400 - 500 KB. Anything higher and you won't be able to send the file from your phone.