I bought the Specialised BG Gel full finger gloves, they weren't that cheap at £30 and at first the palms wore quite quickly but that has stopped now. I've fallen off a few times and they have protected my digits though, and havn't ripped or torn.
I wouldn't recommend them, but wouldn't advise against them either, I just went to a bike shop and tried a few pairs on and bought what felt the best. The sizes seem quite small, ended up needing XXL. But you know what they say.... big hands..... big gloves!
I'm with you on this, they aren't the best but certainly aren't the worst.

