How to get a F5 BIG-IP VE Developer Lab License

I cannot get any traction on this whatsoever. I'm trying to buy 3 lab licenses. The "(16)" version isn't the current version 15. Not understanding the CDW naming conventions, I original tried to buy it via the "(18)" version. CDW said that F5 requested a purchase order, meaning F5 assumed it was an upgrade license that CDW is charging $121.99 for, which makes no sense at all. Maintenance contract for a lab license should be less that $30. Long story short, after two MONTHS of back and forth with CDW, they provided zero guidance on what product would get a reaction from F5 that is NOT "send us a purchase order number". Is anyone getting the licenses they need? I'm so angry about this. I support the federal government as a contractor, and I need this personal test environment. I built an ESXi for this sole purpose, and it is collecting dust now. I have called, emailed and submitted forms to the F5 sales office... Zilch. They just do not give a !@#$ about independent engineers. This used to be hard, but now it seems impossible. Should I just try again to order "(16)" and hope it's somehow a better option than "(18)"? I tell you, no one at CDW has a clue about any of the F5 products. I end up having to guide the narrative in talking to F5, but in the end that doesn't even matter.