I see your point, but I've used AVG and Avast, and I happen to think that Avast is better. Yes you have to register an email to be able to download virus pattern updates, but it is a completely functional, freeware anti-virus offering. It's not one of those deals where they ask you to pay money for a more feature rich program. It's totally free.

http://www.avast.com/eng/avast_4_home.html

As far as rootkits go, I use AVG freeware rootkit detector:

http://www.grisoft.com/doc/download-…otkit/us/crp/0

BTW, this is one of the best threads I've ever seen on the internet. Very informative and helpful!