There's always webhostingtalk.com for finding a server company that isn't a monolith or an unidentified part of EIG if you need an alternative. I have a site on Ninja Lion for a low-budget customer, about $35/yr there and so far reliable, been almost a year. Downtown Host has worked for me as well.

This isn't to take away from the GD product if that suits, but some folks like more db's or using what caching they like, I'm one of those as well.

When helping a client with a GD account some years ago, I also found the interface awkward, seemed to be meant to thwart migrating away, so it's good to hear that things are evolving. If it's for real the word will get out soon enough.