I currently have an iPhone with a small data plan (like 300mb or something) but seeing as how I never use it for internet purposes, and the fact that it annoys the hell out of me compared to my old Samsung (for various reasons), I've been thinking about nixing the plan altogether and going back to the old system. I've noticed though, that (at least with my provider) there didn't seem to be many options for non-smart phones anymore the last time I checked (i.e. phones that don't require a data plan, period.) And the few that do, have a higher out-of-pocket initial expense. I wouldn't be surprised to see them fade to oblivion entirely in the not so distant future =/.
All that said, I'm with you in sharing this "unpopular opinion", all the way. With all the phones I've owned over the years, this smart phone has been the most disappointing and the extra price for a service I don't even use only adds insult to injury.