It quits unexpectedly all the time
That is definitely not normal. Since you seem to be having problems with other apps (not sure what problems), they might not be caused by something specific to Mail. However, you may want to consider rebuilding your Mail data from scratch. Move the following items to the desktop (where '~' means "your user folder"):
~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.mail.plist
~/Library/Mail/
When you start up Mail the next time, it'll be like the first time. Set up your accounts and settings all over again, then import any mailboxes from the old Mail folder on your desktop. Like I said, that may or may not fix the crashing, considering the other things going on, but it's worth a try.
I cannot send jpg attachments that recipients can view
I am obviously not privy to the conversations, but I know I've seen Ernie say that he has e-mailed you personally about this issue, analyzed messages you have sent him and has determined it's an issue with your university systems. There's not much more to be said in that regard. When it comes to e-mail issues, Ernie knows what he's talking about better than anyone else here, as far as I know. You'll need to address this with your university, or get yourself a different e-mail account (maybe a free GMail account, for example) that will allow you to bypass the university systems.
Been using Apple Hardware and software since 1978, and might be time that Apple starts making a priority to develop new and better software at the same pace they are making new and better hardware.
That's a pretty silly thing to say, especially considering that the gripe I have come to associate your name with - due to its frequent repetition - is apparently not an Apple problem at all. Most people use the apps you mention without any issues. You've got a problem with your system somewhere, but again, nobody can tell you where without more information.