There's a few problems with your post.
Problem 1: You're playing it on PS3 - the game is far superior on PC both graphically and control wise
Problem 2: You don't need to use the VATS much unless you're sh*t freehand. Shooting freehand is just as effective and simple as you're using a mouse and not an anlogue stick. I use VATS mainly to finish with slow-mo or on tougher enemies.
Problem 3: If you specialise in melee then you rarely use VATS at all and freehand works fine. Same goes with heavy guns as they're so innaccurate.
Problem 4: If money is such a problem, you don't even need to crack it or anything - i installed my friends copy which he bought and it didn't even require a serial or crack. Works fine. Same goes with downloaded or burnt copies i assume.
Seems to me like you should play the game a little more with a bit more variance before making such a harsh judgment. It's something like a 100 hour game if you explore everything and the main quest is a good 15-20 hours long. I don't think a rent is long enough to experience this game in full.







