I've had my Captivate over 7 months. Trouble free & fast from the beginning.
It's important to remember only those with problems will seek out a forum. The second type here are those that are enthusiasts and buy Android because it's open and not restricted.
I am _not_ sticking up for Samsung, but I want to clarify one thing.
When you buy your phone from a carrier (any carrier), they have a huge amount of influence over the software that comes on the phone. That's why different carriers put their own proprietary software apps on the phone.
Samsung does _work together with the carriers demands since the carrier is Samsungs customer. Never forget that.
Therefore before you blame Samsung or any other phone maker, you need to know both sides of the story. This is the information that's next to impossible to get.
This is why Googles Samsung gets all the latest updates, because Google _wants you to have them FREE.
When Froyo v 2.2 was ready months ago for the Captivate, there was a huge confrontation since AT&T wants to SELL you stuff, not give it away free. AT&T has always been bad about OS updating, way back to my BlackBerry Days.
Therefore the bottom line is BEFORE you bash a person or company you'd better get your facts straight. Otherwise it's you that looks bad.
Finally _again_ I'm not advocating for any carrier or brand. I use several of each myself. My first hand experience reveals this is an industry wide issue.
All that aside, I find Android 2.1 or later a very outstanding Mobile OS. Android is my favorite smartphone by far.
It makes my iPhone 4 look like a fisher price toy.
Cheers