I didn't read all 4 pages of this thread. I agree that it was terribly rude and I don't do that.
Actually, I can't think of anything to say on a phone for that long. I have a hard time keeping up a conversation in person for that long.
That being said when on a cell phone I do talk LOUD. It encourages the other person to talk loud also and I can't hear on cell phones. I'm not sure if it's the small ear piece or the fact that the sound is digital. I have the volume on my cell phone turned all the way up and I still have a hard time hearing it unless I'm in a quiet place. On my old home phones that have a cord and a receiver that is built in a cone shape so you can actually put it to your ear I have no problem. But, a cell phone? Forget it. Might as well be using 2 tin cans with a piece of string between.