Gmail - unable to register a username that does not exist

So you think of a cool new name to use for personal or business email. You run to your computer, go to the Gmail home page and are ready to sign up as a new user. You enter in the name, check the availability and ::boom:: you are told that the name you are trying to register is unavailable...

This stinks but you are determined to get this address, by any means necessary! You send an email to the desired email address asking the person if they would be willing to give it up for a small fee. Out of the blue you get a real kick to the butt. Here comes a bounceback message saying something to the effect of "The email account that you tried to reach does not exist."

Why can't I have a Gmail address that does not exist you ask????

This is because Google accounts that are not used for more than nine months are disabled. Usernames are not recycled so you'll have to pick a different one. 

Don't believe me? Check out "The username I want is not available:"
Gmail Help  › Your Account  › Creating an Account  › The username I want is not available

and "Dormant addresses:"
Gmail Help  › Your Account  › Account Information  › Dormant addresses

This sucks - believe me, I found this out the hard way. Next time you talk to a Google rep, demand that they release unused email addresses!!!!