Have had MBP C2D since Dec o7. Also have a desktop PC running 98se, though I have only turned it on about 4 times since Dec. That is because I do not NEED to run windows at home or for any work related issues on a day to day basis.
Your situation may be different. There are so many variables that SHOULD affect your decision that it really cannot be answered with the information you provided.
Since you have been reading the forums you know that many of the "problems" people have encountered have been "self induced". OSX is not very user friendly in that regard (my opinion). It is possible for a user to delete, rename, move or otherwise alter files and or directories that it needs to operate correctly.
I could be a bummer if the only means of connecting to the internet to get help with an issue is no functioning.
If you encounter an issue which apple is willing to correct (defect, applecare repair, etc), then they will help you. BUT, you will probably be without the computer for a while. If you cannot tolerate being without, then I would say it definitely is not for you.
I'm not trying to turn you off to a Mac, just pointing out that no matter what anyone on any forum says or thinks, you need to decide what you are willing or need from your computer, whether it's a windows pc or a Mac pc.
It sounds to me like the availability of local support is a major issue for you.