The stores operated by the companies like Cingular and Verizon don't like to sell you the prepaid phones, as you found out. You really just have to go to a Walmart or Target!

Neopolitan-
I shared your dislike of cell phones. I don't want one and I certainly don't need one. I certainly don't want to pay $39.99 per month plus taxes and fees that I don't require.

Having said that, I bought one (unlocked GSM phone) 18 months ago when I went to Australia. The tipping point was the realization that my kids could call me anywhere, anytime with no incoming charges to me.
Since the phone was unlocked, I took it to the nearest T-Mobile store when I returned to the U.S. and got one of their SIM cards and a block of prepaid minutes and NO contract. The plan is called T-Mobile to go. You can pay $50 for 400 minutes which expire in 90 days or you can pay $100 for 1,000 minutes which are good for one year. That breaks down to about $8.35 a month. I use it very sparingly but it is always available for emergencies and other urgent communications. If I go on another foreign trip, I can pop the T-Mobile SIM card out and put a new one (for that country) in its place for temporary use.

One way to find unlocked GSM phones is on eBay. Another way is to purchase one at full price from a company like Cellular Abroad <http://www.cellularabroad.com/>.

Orlando, that T-Mobile to go play you describe is exactly the plan I'm on. Currently I only have 150 minutes good for up to 3 months, but then I can add minutes just as you mention. I'll be surprised if I use all those minutes in the next three months, even though I'll be traveling.
The issue I seem to have is that T-Mobile simply has really lousy service in this area, despite what they say. But I hear the same complaints here about Cingular and Verizon as well.