Why do DSL modems suck so badly

Ok so I switch to DSL a couple of years ago since it was cheaper. I have been overall satisfied with the service although it's kind of slow. My biggest problem with DSL is the crappy modems. My first modem was the Siemens Speedstream 4100b which lasted less than a year. When that modem died I needed internet so I went to a Best Buy to buy a new modem. It ended up costing $70 plus tax for the new modem. The new modem was the Motorola 2210.

The Motorola 2210 ran hot from day one. I had bad feelings about it since I got it six months ago. Well today the 2210 is showing signs that it's going bad. This modem couldn't even last 6 months. I am hoping Motorola replaces the modem since it is under warranty.

Signs your DSL Modem is dying

My transition from Comcast Cable Broadband internet to AT&T DSL has been over two years. First my DSL connection had a bad connection. I called a tech twice, the first time nothing was found. Then the second tech came to my house. I told him that my DSL and sometimes phone line will go out when it rains. And then would come back when it's sunny. So the tech splashed some water(had he not the problem would still be there) on a wire and found that the wire was corroded. He went inside and splice a wire then went outside and connected the wire and everything was fine.

Then recently my DSL modem would randomly reset. I would only get two green bars(Power and Ethernet) but the DSL, Internet, Activity lights would not go on at all. I thought maybe it was a corroded wire again. But after some trouble shooting on my own I found that the likely culprit was the modem. Since my DSL modem could not even connect at all. I had to buy the new DSL modem at Best Buy at a premium of $75. I could have got the same modem online for around $25. So after connecting the new modem I was fine again.