Yes, kbot. Imo it is well worth it to get at least a technician's ham license. The more amateur radio licenses issued - the more impressive the numbers at the FCC and with Congress when it comes to issues of band allocation of the airwaves and protecting the airwaves for the people (as opposed to commercial interests). There is a limited amount of bandwidth available and amateur radio keeps losing bandwidth to the new communication devices/corporations.
Cell phones, Sat phones, land line phones are fine - but cell and land line often do not function in emergency situations. The airwaves continue to work for communications as long as you have the minimum power for transmission/reception. Batteries, generators and solar power is readily available for those who plan ahead.
As far as ARRL promoting expensive 'rigs' and antennas - yeah, I guess they are mentioned a lot. So are the more economical means of communication over the airwaves. The least expensive investment in an amateur radio station - is a hand held radio that you can both receive and transmit on - on the UHF Bands via Repeaters.
And, yah. What can I tell you about the conversations you can listen in on out there on the ham bands. heh. Many hams are a very independent breed - mostly very libertarian in attitude, etc, and really into the practical aspects of radio/gadget technology. Can seem like another planet listening in. What can I say here? The more of your friends and people like you you can interest in amateur radio - the more the tenor of these conversations will change. If you seek - you can find kindred souls out there.