Godzillabucks- I agree. The only reason why I even consider taking a management role is only for the extra money that it would bring. I don't see myself with a lifelong career with the bucks. This is only working for me because it is the highest paying job in my area that will not conflict with my school. I don't mind the customers- I've been in customer service for a long time, and the job itself is fairly easy and mindless because my first job ever was in a DD.
What really gets me is the fact that SBUX overdid it with the image and fell short on living up to it. Sure, not many companies provide health insurance to part-time staff, but then to have the hours required is almost like a part-time job in itself- constantly looking for people to switch with, pick up shifts and what have you. I also don't like the fact that management turns a blind eye and deaf ear to the pure incompetence of some of it's other management.
One thing is for certain...while I don't really mind their espresso drinks, their brewed coffee is over-roasted, and frankly quite terrible. Fair market beans and ethos are strategically worded so that the wrong impression is understood.
As for the customers who whine and moan about their drink being wrong and constantly come back- it's something for them to do when they run out of ways to amuse themselves.