I have about 5 gmail addresses that I check regularly. They're not really gmail though, they're actually just imap forwarders set up so that I can check them in gmail more conveniently than the webmail provided by my different web hosts - if I lost gmail I'd only lose some organization and convenience, the email is still back at the original host.

Your argument is sound, but your conclusion sort of counters it. It's still true though, it's just the way it is. I compare it to my motorcycle. I can ride it, but I'm not a mechanic. However, every time I take the time to learn something new about it's operation or repair I find my whole riding experience improves. This is the problem with the different flavours of Linux in my mind - you are encouraged/forced to learn about how it works - it isn't simply provided as a tool that will work. It's the reason I want my mom to have a Mac. I'd rather she get a "sad mac face" when there's an important problem and she can take it to get it fixed, rather than call me every day wondering how she edits such and such file to make something work.