I agree, so in general Ubuntu isn't there quite yet for yer average user, however, it is easy to add the 'missing bits' (and I understand they are missing for legal reasons etc) once you know how. But that's the trick (or at least is has been for me) finding the correct how-to or blog that covers correctly how to fix these bits that aren't sorted automatically (because I lave little Linux experience and don't actually want to learn all about Linux, I just want to use it).
I now have a text file with the pared-down steps to fix the bits I feel should be there all along and whilst I'm still doing them parrot fashion (copy and paste into terminal) I'm starting to see a little sense to them (sudo apt-get etc).
Also, after dabbling with Linux over many years (generally to give up on it pretty quickly every time) it does seem to be evolving (as you might hope), not only in itself but in the worlds acceptance that it's becoming more popular. You can see that by the number of sites / apps that also come in several Linux flavours and often Ubuntu is on the list (and it's a comfort to me when it is as I then know there is a good chance it will work).
A recent cherry on the cake is they released a Linux version of Teamviewer (remote control app) which means I can now stumble about on other peoples computers in the effort of helping them (I have XP in my head so generally don't often need a screen in front of me to be able to offer telephone support to friends and family).
Most of our machines are now dual-boot Windows / Ubuntu and on some I make Ubuntu the default OS to help me use it more. In fact that's just reminded me, Mum (80 years old) has an old XP laptop of mine for Solitaire and a bit of email / MSN, now there is Teamviewer for Ubuntu I might see if Linux is quicker on there (it often isn't on slow machines though).
Cheers, T i m
p.s. Ah, I've also just remembered, Mums XP laptop is used to rip CD's onto Dads Nano because his Mac's OS (OS9) is too old to see it. I'm not sure how easily I could get to the same 'automated' position of 'Put in CD then when it's finished, plug in iPod' as I have with XP/iTunes?