Renewing American Passports @ Home

I have had to research the process of renewing my passport lately and suddenly realized that the last few times I've needed to do this was oversees. And then, it was easy. Go to your local American consulate or embassy, stand in line and you're done. It's mailed to you or you return to pick it up.

It's not so easy in 'my own country.' Frankly, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be easier to take a quick flight to Mexico, or Canada, and go to an American Embassy to apply for a renewal than the complicated process they want a citizen to go through at home.

Listen to this from the U.S. Immigration Support site. The kicker is (and you won't believe this -- I honestly thought it was a joke when I read it) that they want you to spend $55 to download a PDF file that DOES NOT renew your passport but merely gives you information on how to. I'm not kidding. Is this for real?

Think about it - $55 to DOWNLOAD INFO on how to do what you need to do. Isn't that the point of the site to provide citizens with information on 'how to?' i.e., send existing passport to x address or proof of citizenship with check to renew and we're done?

The way that the website is written suggests that I have no other choice but to download this 'doc' on how to and where to go to renew a passport. It's like saying that the DMV would charge $55 to tell you the address of where to go to renew your drivers license. I love their usage of words. "Support," "Assist you in determining your eligibility," "free application forms." I was born in New York - I'm eligible.

Here's the text:
"Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to issue United States passports. This website only provides information how to apply or renew a passport. We do not issue passports. The process of applying for a United States passport can be frustrating experience. It is recommended that all applicants follow the instructions included the application package carefully to assure a successful application.

The information in the "United States Passport Application and Renewal Kit" will assist you in determining your eligibility for a U.S. passport and help you successfully apply for an American passport.

Urgent Passports Applications and Renewals:
If you need your passport urgently, you should contact one of the 13 U.S. passport agencies. Most passport agencies now accept applications only by appointment. A complete list of all application centers can be found in the application kit.

What is included in the United States Passport renewal kit?

United States passport overview
Who can apply for a United States passport
Application requirements and procedures
How to apply for your first United States passport
How to renew a U.S. passport in person
How to renew a U.S. passport by mail
How to request a replacement of a lost or stolen passport
How to fill out the application forms
Where to apply for a passport
Special requirements for individuals under 17 years of age
How to update your U.S. passport after a name change
Information on urgent applications and renewals
Locate the 7000 designated passport application/renewal facilities nationwide
List of United States embassies and consulates (for individuals who are outside the U.S.)
FREE Application forms

If you know a workaround to this complicated process, I'd love to hear it. It seems so ridiculous, outrageous and time consuming that I'm still frankly in disbelief.