Well, with regards to ones that really don't stink, there's always Guild Wars, which although you have to pay for the game itself, there's no monthly fee attached to it....it's good, great for playing in short bursts, and doesn't have that "suck your life away" addictiveness most other online RPGs are associated with.
(actually, I got a couple trial-account serial keys if you want one)
(actually, I got a couple trial-account serial keys if you want one)