Since when did disclaimers replace customer service? I don't know the answer. However, I know some businesses need disclaimers, some need more than others. Some even have disclaimers they don't need
So, what are the alternatives? Setting expectations during the sales process, selling what you are REALLY selling, and doing for your customers what you said you would do. Obviously, the further you are from your customer the more disclaimers you will need. For distant relationships things like a how-to manual or data sheets will work wonders.
If your web services provider has an inordinate amount of disclaimers, don't plan on being good friends. And, you may want to make sure they aren't replacing good customer service with a sheet of paper and your signature. <sarcasm>It could be that they have inexpensive legal counsel,</sarcasm> but more likely they want to protect themselves. Rarely are disclaimers in the customer's best interest. Relevant education is always in the customer's best interest.
No matter what your business, please, please, please, don't let your warnings and disclaimers be a substitute for understanding your customers and making sure they understand what they are buying. This even applies to selling stuff on the web.