>1.) I have had Compuserve Classic forever and it is pretty good, except it isn't "everywhere" -- but at least it does have the 800#. I could stay with that at $24.95/month and I like the smtp/pop mail capabilities.
FWIW, I have CompuServe Classic (also forever <g>) and pay $10.95 a month (or maybe it's up to $11.95), but much less than $24.95. I've even used it successfully from Europe.