Network Solutions has done fine for us with three domain name registrations. Yes, it has had a monopoly in the past, and its service will benefit from competition. However, if one is really in business rather than just dabbling at it, one wants a solid physical and electronic foundation. Web site lists no human beings. Web site lists no physical address.
Web site lists no toll-free sales number.
Web site doesn't say whether it's public or private, or what its assets are. Each of us has his own way of doing business, but I never ever ever buy either personally or for our company anything on the web from a company which doesn't list a physical address and people at its web site. Also, Dotster sells up to 10-year licenses. That's 15 times as long as its existence to date. I've been running my business 11 years, and I can't.