I use earthlink and have absolutely no problems with it.
They do provide some of their own software, but you are not forced to use it.
I don't get
any spam.
They don't bother with "stupid stuff" like msn and aol does

. You get online and don't get kicked off. You can use whatever software you want. ;D
Whatever you do, be SURE to read the license agreements of the ISPs you are considering. Make sure that they don't force you to use their software or use spyware or banner ads. Also be sure they don't put a limit on the hours you can be online or how much you can download.
~psi42