I'm surprised the author didn't mention battery life. My dumb phone can go several days without needed a recharge, it isn't unusual for the battery to last one week or more if I'm in an area with good reception.
Indeed. I bought a "dumb" GSM Nokia before flying to Sri Lanka and * gasp * not only was I able to have 2 lines, even two different carriers on the same phone, without too much hassle (something nearly unheard of the U.S.) I just drop a bit of cash at any ol' cell shop and I'm good to go.
Furthermore, I actually own my bloody phone!