You started this thread and it was obviously about your want and desire in spite of your use of 'we' and Google.
They might not do it. It's not a standard practice they like to do I gather.But on the other hand you are readily able to request they "free up" your in-game handle so that when you come back and create a new login ID you get your old name back.They do that all the time.
True, but just to clarify, the point of my post wasn't guesswork. What I mentioned about it being easy enough to free up your in-game ID for a new account is correct and confirmed.
You don't need to call to free up a name anymore, once an account is canceled the name becomes free game.