48 hour wait for activation

I purchased my Z Fold5 directly from Samsung, an AT&T model with online activation where I specified it was replacing a current AT&T phone.  I did this last week, and on Monday the following week, the new phone was activated prior to being shipped and without any action on my part.  I called AT&T on Tuesday to reactivate the old phone which was completed without any problems.  When I received the new phone on Wednesday, I could not activate its eSIM online and transfer the line to the new phone.  

After an online chat with an agent, a subsequent phone call to another agent, and another online chat with a supervisor; I was told the new phone could not be activated until 48 hours had passed from the last (re)activation of my old phone.  And, nobody can override this.

Is there any valid reason why I would not be able to activate my phone that I own and why nobody can override this?  I clearly proved who I am, I did not cause this problem, and both phones, old and new, are purchased outright. 

Not exactly great service for someone who has been an AT&T customer for over 20 years.