This is not directed at any one here in particular.

But I'm obviously missing a key point or something.

Why the fanatical mania to get gmail accounts???

Is it merely to ensure you get a good choice of email name there?
Or what?

I can think of lots of reasons NOT to have all of my email stored forever by one of the internet's largest portals: passwords, creditcard info, account information, paypal transactions etc.. all pass through my email semi-regularly, and I am unwilling to entrust long term storage of such to anyone outside of my home office here.

So.. like I said, I'm missing the point. What is it?

Cheers