“This discussion is pointless. If you want data encryption just to ‘look cool’, you’d best not bother with it. On a side note, nobody is forcing you to get your AIM messages encrypted. If you don’t think you need data encryption, fine, then don’t. No need to argue over it.”
Of course ISPs monitor what goes on, are you that thick? Do you think ISPs enjoy the usage of their bandwitch for piracy of software. That is the #1 reason to use the encryption, if you are going to be talking about that sort of thing.