Whatever company you are talking about that doesn't support IE is just stupid and you shouldn't use them. Personally I suggest that everyone move away from IE, but as a web developer I'd be an idiot if I didn't support it on my websites. It's 50 plus percent of web browser usage. Mainly because the average person doesn't know that there's something better out there. Until more people become aware of the alternatives or IE finally gets their act together (yes they are getting better) then any company who doesn't design for IE is potentially setting themselves up to be wiped off the map by their competitors.

As for your issues with the help desk, I'm truly sorry. Most IT departments are under staffed and have little to no budget. A lot of us are single person IT departments and if we immediately helped everyone when they asked we'd never accomplish anything because we'd be moving to a new project before we finished the last one. Walk a mile in my shoes and see if you're still standing.