I was planning to open a new Roth account with Vanguard. I already have one with Scudder but the fund performance with Vanguard seems to be a lot better, specially with indexes. Here's the catch. Vanguard wants $30 per year "maintenance fee" for me to open 3 $1000 funds (my 2002 contribution). This would be for 3 years until my annual contributions or earnings boost the balance over $10k. Essentially, my investment will be down $90 over 3 years before I even get started.

1) How does this benefit anyone but Vanguard?
2) Is there a Foolish justification for doing this?
3) Is there a better alternative?

Foolishly Frustrated...

David