jeez caroline162, you've really created a tempest, haven't you? it's pretty funny on these forums sometimes. people get bent out of shape if you have a kickstand, the wrong bike, fenders, no fenders, the wrong clothes, the wrong light, whatever. it's your bike for god sake... i've been made fun of because i happen to like old raleighs... they're perfect for me and for my comute, and if you love your bike, it doesn't matter what other people say. i'm all about being politically correct too, fret about plastic bags, hate that the great names in bikes are all coming from the same factory in china, etc. and if i were to answer your question about the wal-mart bike, i'd tell you to get a used bike rather than new, but i think you covered that somewhere else.

i wonder about all the folks that decry chinese made. it's difficult to avoid it anymore. i wish they'd take a hard look at where their bike parts come from, or their televisions, their clothes, etc. everything is political.

it looks as though you got yourself a nice bike. enjoy it. when/if you decide to upgrade, you can always give yours to some deserving kid and feel wonderful about having given it away. life's short, ride what you've got!

I would never drink a natty light again, no matter how many people told me it was just as good as any other, more expensive beer.

<-- not bent out of shape. At least not today.

After having a kickstand my whole life, it takes a little getting used to, but you get over it quick.
Leaning it on a wall or lamp post works fine for me.

That said...I really don't think it makes any difference at all on a commuter or cruiser bike.