I find it objectionable that it's packaged inside what is essentially a disposable camera

Exactly the same way I feel. If you have any interest in digicams checkout the sony DSC-D770. Sony discontinued the line, but you can get them pretty cheap on eBay. It is a 1.5 megapixel camera (very consumer level) with a SLR look and feel and a lot of professional features that don't exist on other digicams. If you like the feel and features of a traditional SLR, but don't need the pixels (or can't afford) something like the Nikon D1 it is a great compromise. I am surprised sony every made the d770 in the first place as it is pretty radically different from the rest of their camera line.

-Mike