I feel PCB123 from Sunstone Circuits, is also good and easy to learn.the support is good and when wanted they make the PCBs once we mail them the artwork at some defined charges. Perhaps worth trying.
Making new components in Eagle is really simple - once you get used to it. Especially if the component is using a standard package. As no pcb layout or schematic capture comes with all components defined everyone eventually has to start defining own libraries. I have already made a few of them for different projects - but it is always worth to check cadsoft's ftp site as there are many libraries uploaded by other users. Just check if the information in the library is correct - it would be pity to create a coaster instead of usable PCB ...
As far as I know Cadsoft's Eagle is the only free program with schematic capture that does not require you to have them make your boards. Could be others but none come to mind.
Eagle is a powerful tool with ERC (electrical rule check) and DRC (design rule check) which help you design error free buildable boards.