all good questions xtine
i had the same questions myself.

i think most people think they are going to use their webcam and then don't and that is my case.
i too bought through craigslist for $100 and it had barely been used... (it's actually sitting on the floor behind my desk.)
i was so excited at that time i bought it and haven't communicated with anyone using it yet.
when i went online i found i would have to join a website and pay a fee and that wasn't very attractive to me, especially when i found out 85% were men.

i have aim since it is free. only having a couple of friends on aim and only talked to them a few times and none had a webcam.

i can't say my experience will be yours... most men are getting webcams to meet and flirt with women... i suspect it is the same with women, and that you will have more than enough willing men wanting to talk to you.

so if you do get it and you want to use ichat to connect let me know... you could be my first.

~m