Why is the Lloyds price so low?

For many, buying one of UK largest banks - Lloyds Banking Group (LON:LLOY) - was a seemingly safe option.  Should any credit crisis emerge, surely the government would come riding to its rescue. But apart from that, what’s the rationale for sticking with Lloyds shares?

At 45p, Lloyds’ share price is not much higher than the level traded two year...