The service must just get really better the second year?

Introductory offers are common with almost everything. Credit cards, insurance, TV cable or dish, etc. I would not be surprised at a cost increase once they have you signed up. You can vote with your money and go to another provider if that is your intent. Maybe the GS folks could have been a little more diplomatic with your questions but this is very common. When they said 'it is what it is' they were being straight with you. Getting a straight up answer is refreshing. Be glad for that.