It comes down to an extra $20 to $30 per month to have data. The rest, you're probably already paying.
I thought I would never need it because (free) WiFi is everywhere, but I find it very useful, especially when I'm away from home. I always have something to read in waiting rooms, I can always find an address, etc. Can check FOT board. Is that a good thing?
Hell, it's almost worth the extra monthly fee to not have to carry around more than one gadget. Now, it also replaces the game boy I never had. The utility I get from the phone is easily worth the extra money.
I'm down with you on the general swindling in wireless. For instance, contracts and higher monthly fees are supposed to cover the reduced price of hardware upfront. Ergo, if you pay full price for the hardware, you should be able to pay less per month for fees. Of course, it doesn't work that way. On the other hand, if you're just looking for the basics and no data, it can be pretty cheap.