Because the old Soviet mentality is still there!... I have avoided visiting Russia mainly because it is so difficult (i.e., such a hassle) to get the Russian visa and deal with the old Soviet bureaucracy. Fortunately, Ukraine dropped the invitation requirement, and it was fairly straight forward (though still not effortless) to get a Ukrainian visa last June (for a US citizen).

I am also curious as to people's experiences in getting a Russian visa.