I also have used PayPal for at least 8 years. I use it to buy and sell on eBay and have never, I repeat - never, had a problem of any kind either receiving money or sending money. PayPal has at times been an excellent solution to send money. I'm sure it's not perfect but I don't think anything is. I would much rather deal with PayPal than any of the credit card companies, talk about a rip off !!!
There is no way that PayPal is any worse than any of the banks or credit card companies out there.
They all have their bad points, some more than others. If you look around you will find that there are many more people happy with PayPal than not.
We use PayPal to handle our subscriptions here at Muvipix, they have done a wonderful job for almost 3 years now.
I understand your point John and give you credit for your caution. Just know that it isn't as bad as what you read in the link you posted. I have had much worse problems with former bank accounts and credit cards