there are...lots...of problems with coinbase, unfortunately, if you reside in the US gulag there are increasingly fewer options
Really? What other options are disappearing the US? Coinbase IS an option, as is Circle, Blockchain.info, Kraken, Xapo, Mycellium, the list goes on. This doesn't preclude the OP from getting onto a bitcoin exchange.
i used coinbase back in the day. i havent used them in years. i recently tried to log into my account to verify some old transactions and couldn't get through their security process.
i wanted to call and talk to a real person but couldn't find a contact number.
i'll never use them again.
I just had an issue with Coinbase days before the BCC air drop. I noticed a suspicious transaction. I submitted the service request. Coinbase then froze my access to the account "until they could verify my identity". What the fuck? And guess what, within 24 hours I had my service restored. The entire process took 36 hours, which is frustrating, but I received a response within hours to every one of my emails.
Why are others having so much trouble? Why did I have it so easy?
Your perception of 36 hours being easy is a misplaced perception.
Easy is when you can access your wallet securely and safely without waiting 36 hours in a market of volatile rates.
Easy is when you don't get locked out and feeling unsure or worried about seeing your funds again.
Easy is when a customer is not inconvenienced in any way.
I do not understand why some people can't grasp the safety and simplicity in using a wallet which you and you alone fully control. You and you alone. No freezing. No locking of funds. You and you alone own, hold and keep your private keys. No splitting of keys and delegating control of funds to another individual or entity. Delegation of control is incompatible with full ownership.