why do you have to create a @me.com mail account for iCloud?

When i set up iCloud, i wanted my notes to be synced and also my email, however in order to do this, i had to create a @me.com mail account... when i did this, it didnt ask me for a password or anything? i see no use in this as i already use 3 email addresses on my iphone anyway...what is the whole point in creatimh a @me.com account when it doesnt receive emails or do anything except let me sync my current emails and notes to icloud...? i do not understand this at all :S help!