I'm not saying Read's hopeless,just that in my opinion he's not good enough to bat 7/8 in Test's or ODI's.

His average in first class cricket is pretty good,but nothing more.6819 runs at 31.13.
Foster's stats - 4588 at 34.49 (admittidely not that much higher,still deserves another chance).
Prior's stats - 5676 at 39.14.

While I think it's pretty difficult to find someone who can replicate what Gilchrist does for Australia,England still need a wicketkeeper who can get runs lower down the order.Granted,Read hasn't been well treated or supported by Fletcher or various captains,but other ex-England players did advocate his dropping from the squad.Nasser Hussain for one.