You make some very valid points. I too have been building systems since 2000. My first machine was hand me down parts from guys I worked with. I had a Pentium 2 with 32MB ram and a VooDoo2 paired with a Matrox for a TOTAL of 16MB ram so I could play Half-life. I quickly upgraded but that gives you an idea how long ago it was and what I was working with. I still build systems but as I get older, I can't lie, the simplicity of a console is tempting. Not to mention they are not far behind PCs in capability. I was really considering the Steambox (or whatever it is called). I always wanted a "gaming OS" and I don't want to give up my library that goes back to the start of Steam. I have been lucky to have the ability to touch a system and it work. I have rarely had instability issues or crashes (except when I tried Windows ME constant crashes so I went to win2k). Things go wrong, but I still accept that as part of being a PC guy. I'm on my second custom loop system. Its the cost that is most painful. I own my home and have had to make some really expensive repairs (I had to have my pool fully resurfaced and tiled for $30K)! Spending another $6k on building a system is getting difficult in this economy. I also need the PC since I work from home. Oh, well... I will limp by with what I have till something dies and then replace it. Usually when the mobo starts dying I build a new system.
I don't like controllers, but I also don't like cheaters. I have to really start weighing which I hate more... Obviously, cheaters. I don't know, in recent years (since the coof) I have considered quitting online gaming altogether. Just play single players games. Things like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, etc I find just as enjoyable as multiplayer but without the headaches.
I appreciate the measured responses guys. Wish you nothing but the best!