> That said, it would be ridiculous for them to do that. Wouldn't that imply that they can perceive problems and act on them--a faculty this story illustrates they are profoundly lacking?

Why would it? That could be an automated response to chargeback — block all the services for that person. Just in case.

> Are you going to keep hosting your email with a company you trust so little you actually think they would disconnect you from their free service over a chargeback on a product they actually failed to provide? I get more and more glad I'm not a prisoner to their "free" services every day.

You are right, of course, but gmail brings a lot of value to me. I know that I should take a day off and get my own domain, set up regular backup from gmail and change accounts on various services to new domain, though.