I looked into tethering for my iphone.
I would have to pay an additional $20 per month just to allow tethering. This $20 month would be recurring every month.
If I go on a road trip or something, the 3G version of the Vita absolutely shows its value. I could get the prepayed non-recurring $15 data plan -one time for such a need. Its great that the pricing is non-contract based.
If it was contract based, it would almost be as bad as me having to pay an extra $20/month just to tether.
If that was the case, I might commiserate with you all- but there is no reason to.
With all of that said, the extra $50 up front for the always present ability to have 3G access, seems like a good choice for me.