Good points. But I have a couple other points. First, online has more games available ie. casinos don't generally have .25/.50 NL games available. To get a good game you have to go 4/8, 5/10 and up which is much more expensive for the casual player - especially someone just learing. In fact the only NL, I've seen in Vegas and Atlantic City were $100 minimum buy in. Sounds great until everyone buys in w/ a grand.

Second, you play many many more hands/hour online. It allows you to be more selective in starting hands. I have had 8 hour sessions in casino where the cards were dry and it was just a boring foldfest.

I find myself making some of the mistakes that you mentioned like getting distracted and not paying attention. But when I tighten up and get serious, online has been profitable in ring games and tournaments. In fact, I started playing a regular home game tournemnt every 2 months w/ 15-20 players, and I have found myself getting short stacked and playing stupid after 4 hours.