i also have been using paypal for 6 or 7 years now..and i have it linked to my bank account, that way when someone sends me money i can deposit it directly into my bank account. i've not had any problems with paypal; (other than forgetting my own password one time)
it has been a very good thing for me. my mom is a 'big-ebay-er' and she couldn't get through her days without her paypal ;)