AVG was on my PC when I bought it because the shop tekkies build it into every PC they make, which i thought was a pretty good recomendation.
I surf a serious amount, and have not had any issues with AVG - i think programmes like MacAfee are expensive and take up space doing what AVG does with very little space and no cost.
The answer is - if people will buy a protection package, other people will make one. i could have a Rolls to drive to work, but my Fiat does the job just as well on the same roads, for a lot less cost. Simples.