I've never really had any issues with R&C - to be honest I rarely expect to die unless on a challenge playthough.
Resistance though did have a few bad checkpoints - although I don't remember it as that bad.
Could be you and Insomniac checkpoints just don't get along too well. Shame, as the games are fun, but I understand how annoying it is when checkpoints don't work.
Now if consoles just let you save anywhere like a proper PC game... that would be better. I will never be happy with console approaches as I want to be able to jump up at any time, save, and head out the door without having to start from the beginning of the level again. I have no idea why consoles take the approach they do to saving for most of their titles. One nice thing about the more PC design titles that have come to consoles (PS3/360 mainly) is a proper save/load anywhere system.
Try to be reasonable... its easier than you think...
