I dont know about calling it BS, just a hassle. tech.tv did a whole thing about them before and the site actaully working. You do have to jump through a ton of hoops and get others to do the same, but if you have the time and the energy to do that, it works. I know a bunch of people who tried but never completed it, and one person who stuck to it and did get their ipod. And hell, if there is a $20 option, such as "sign up for the blockbuster online movie rentals" you could get 3 other people to do it and YOU pay for the initial installment and have them cancel it when they want to after that. This way youre going to spend like $80 and still get your iPod w/video or whatever they are doign now.
A really good optioin is to check out the refurbished store over at apple.com. in the store search box type in "refurbished". right now they have a ton old iPod Minis selling for $150, and a few colors and photos.