I have never had a problem connecting to the net with Linux, ever. But the major difference is I never have used a dialup connection with Linux.
The lack of modem support rests solely with hardware manufacturers IMHO. When they don't release drivers for Linux, it is not the OS that is at fault.
Winmodems blow. But with that in mind, Linux should support them anyway either through a specialized driver or in an emulation manner.
It is strange that Suse works and the rest don't. Interesting indeed.
But I have had similar problems with windows 98/2000 and some winmodems... they'd install fine but wouldn't connect, or would drop the line all the time. Hardware modems rule, especially if they are internal for dialup users and linux.
Here's a good reference for modems and Linux:
http://tldp.org/HOWTO/html_single/Modem-HOWTO/#s2
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