My father bought one of these boat anchors several years ago. On paper it looked like a good deal, but to get the low price he had to buy a 3-year subscription to a god-awful MSN service that he didn't need. New out of the box, the machine would freeze every half an hour, and tech support was almost non-existent. Occasionally, the machine would go "on the fritz", with nothing displayed on the screen but an odd kind of snow. Everything about the machine was cheap and flimsy. It sounded like a lawnmower. It even stank.
I got so fed up with helping him cope with this system that we bought him a new Dell Dimension 2400 last month (complete system including monitor for $500, shipping was free). Rock solid, no problems so far.
So, your dad got a lemon, if what you say is correct, but that can happen to any company at any time.
The E-Machine we bought for my daughter has only been turned off when the furniture was moved and has survived two power outages with no ill effects.
I'm typing this on an old Packard Bell C115 that never gets turned off except for the occasional reboot when this poor old thing gets confused.
As far as being disposable is concerned, I'm sure you have read or ought to read, The Wastemakers by Vance Packard, especially Chapter 6.
Too many towers get placed down low where they can be kicked about by the user and this can result in a fatal hard-drive error.
If I had my way, every customer would be allowed to "test-drive" the unit he/she is buying in the store before they ever hand over the paper or plastic.
Take care of your dad, he will grow to like you one of these days. :)