Very well executed post. Everything you say makes sense, and stuff I know, and there is stuff I have now learned because of you. And you're right on tinkering with the operating system. Time is money. I have a lot less issues with my Macs, and my focus has been on my projects. I love that. Sure I pay a lot more for the product, but at the end of the day, I can get that money back. I can't get that time back. Ease of pain, non-hair pulling, and enjoyment is worth the extra smackers IMO.
STFU eli