Seriously, it seems like you don't have it, otherwise if you do, and you still say this, you don't realize what you have.
It works great, the "ad-laden software" you speak of is not that, it has a couple frames that load MJ deals, that's it.
It doesn't swallow your bandwidth.
It doesn't 'infect' your pc with adware like you make it sound.
It has great tech support.
And yes, unlimited service for 20$/year is totally possible, why, because of the crazy little idea people are talking about, called the "internet".
And you don't have to leave your pc on 24/7.
If the unit isn't plugged in, their servers host your voicemail, and you can access it remotely via a regular phone...
Sounds like you either don't have it, or you had a rotten time with it, but I live, breathe, and eat computers, and this is by far the BEST phone service provider deal hands down.
Sure, it's not a cell phone, but if you have a laptop/netbook, are you really gonna say that you can't pretty much go anywhere without being able to find the internet? Heck, paired with a random 3G adapter even...
I don't mean to offend, but your words just reek of ignorance or impatience...