Since you asked i figured to share what i use.
For effects i have a Boss ME-70 pedal which i just got recently, i stick it between my guitar and interface. It has a pre-amp and a decent output, so i haven't got a need to boost it.
It also works if you also stick an amp in between.
Guitar -> Amp -> pedal -> (line-in) on audio interface
And what i have used before i got the Boss ME-70, was GTR Solo, POD Farm and Fender AmpliTube. They are amp modulation software. If you had a Line6 TonePort you are familiar with such. My POD Studio UX1 has a instrument input, as most of audio interfaces do.
AmpliTube i have not used as much as GTR Solo.
GTR Solo works good, and its free for a year. Just go on their website and ask for year-for-free registration and download it.
I do agree with you... Line6 interfaces do sometimes give trouble with noise, these POD Studio GX/UX1/UX2 are better than their TonePort versions which were before them, but still you endup wishing you had something better.
I got mine to work pretty decently, but i will still get a FireWire interface when my financial situation will allow me to do so.
Good luck with recording.
