I have an Android 4.4 phone, Verizon/Google is trying to force my phone to install Android 5.1, a full version update to a version widely regarded as a lemon.

I paid for my phone. I paid for my Windows license. I paid a lot more for my phone, which Android is trying to forcibly update without my consent to a version which will cripple my phone's functionality substantially.

Then you have the same problem and you should complain as much.