IanOBrien,
your post made me smile as I have often had the same feelings about frames, especially when I have to explain to someone who is new to designing sites and think the frames are an awesome solution.

But, there are uses for them, if you aren't concerned with the SEO - like for private access areas.

Just wanted to point out that it's best not to place yourself into a box, so to speak, but to have preferences instead.