I write letters infrequently, but I do do it. Usually not by hand, unfortunately, because my handwriting is HORRENDOUS, except in Japanese. For some reason, my Japanese handwriting is much more legible than my English...maybe because I'm much more careful?

I personally feel that letters are the number one most effective way to communicate, especially with companies. Conversations can actually be a bit more difficult, because of human tendencies to get all emotional.