Patch unlock vs subsidy code

[taz13ew]

I understand that when you use the patch unlock method, the phone will remain unlocked unless you flash with new firmware. If the firmware needs to be updated, the phone can be re-unlocked a second time using the same method (generating new patch file), correct?

Does patch unlocking affect the ability to subsidy unlock?

I'm trying to unlock an AT&T branded w580i. I would prefer to use subsidy unlock method, so I'm having a friend who is a AT&T customer try to get me the code. However, if there is a delay, I might use the patch method so I can start using the phone right away. I just want to make sure that these two methods of unlocking will not have compatibility issues.

Would I need to reflashed the unlocked phone to lock it again before I enter the subsidy code?

Once a phone is unlocked by subsidy code, is there any way it would get locked again? I know with Moto's, that is possible if you flash with a locked monsterpack. If it's possible to be locked again, would the same subsidy code work again?

[ESTO]

AT&T gives out the subsidy/unlock code to all eligible customers. You just need to call a toll-free number.

If it's unlocked by subsidy code, it should remain so even if you flash proper firmware. If you flash some crazy patch, who knows.

If it's unlocked by patch, unless you can still use the <**< to enter the code to UNLOCK, otherwise you would have to reflash the main to get rid of the SIMLOCK patch.

[ESTO]

Once a phone is unlocked by subsidy code, is there any way it would get locked again?

Specifically if you put a network (say Rogers or Fido) customized custpack onto the phone, it might contain codes that re-lock the phone.