Second Life usability is high on my radar. Im British, which makes me susceptible to consumer rage™ if not fully satisfied with the customer experience offered me, and I'm also poorly sighted, which makes me very aware of ease of use and design. So hearing that a small consumer study conducted inworld by Komjuniti found that "72% of respondents expressed themselves as being disappointed with the activities of the companies in Second Life" didn't come as a huge shock.
The one big thing I've found in my so far short history in SL is that many of the company presenses in there are ill though out, badly designed, and of dubious value. It's like the early days of the internet, the brochure sites, the home made crap made by kids (why do we think that because the next door neighbors kid can code, they can create great user experience? Really, what the fuck are they going to base those experiences on?) and of course, lets not forget the spinning logos! Really, they're there.
The study also found that 42% thought that company participation was a passing fad, and who can fault their lack of confidence when you take into account the above?
Design, and business development sure has a long way to go in Second Life. Interesting times eh?