Great observations. I do think we are the beta testers for the world, in a way. Perhaps as usability improves, as you noted, people will be less tech-resistant. I have found that once I sit down with someone and they see how easy something is, then they are much more likely to use it (assuming it is helpful).

I'm guilty of being too plugged in. I loved to read when I was younger, but now I am more likely to read RSS feeds on my iPhone than I am to read a book. This weekend, I actually started a book and rediscovered how enjoyable reading is.