Bend over, here comes the Customer "Service"

We have really become a service oriented nation. Think of all the companies that you make payments to: phone, cell phone, internet, car, satellite, cable, game consoles etc.  It is inevitable that we will eventually need to change a plan, upgrade or downgrade or get a repair and require a real human being on the other end of the phone.  This is the year 2008 right?  Why are so many companies still struggling with the idea of actually servicing a customer?

I've been through hell and back with Sprint before.  They promised not to renew a contract because of their error and then proceeded to sign me for another 2 years.  Of course while you're on the phone with them they tell you that they are typing it all into your file for the next CSR, but when you call again later the notes magically disappeared.  When the contract was due to end we were wary of them so we called with 3 weeks left and said "we don't want your service, make sure it ends on this date."  We called with two weeks left and said "make sure it ends on this date."  We call the day after the contract was supposed to end and guess what, they signed us up for another contract.  We call again and they want us to pay for that month plus some other charges.  I'll get right on that asshat.

I finally got around to signing up for internet the other day and chose Time Warner because I really have no other option where I live right now (and they don't require a contract).  Well I call up and get this guy "Bob".

Me:     hi bob, I'd like to get internet service
Bob:   Ok sir, we have three options starting at 29.95 a month
Me:     Bob, I'd like the option that's $14.00 a month.
Bob:   Oh, yeah, I guess we have that too, but its basically the same as dial up.
Me:     No bob, its not.  And it works fine for what I need.  Thanks.
Bob:   Ok sir, but you do know that you have to sign up for cable to get that right.
Me.     No bob, I don't. And you know that.  Please don't dick around with me.
Bob:   Ok sir, I'll sign you up for that package with no cable, just internet.
Me:     Thanks bob, you're the best.

Now this is my first ever experience with this company, can you guess what my initial impression is?  Not Great.  I can kind of understand that they want to make money and commission but seriously aren't you supposed to be serving me.  Bob tried to mislead me with the options available and then lied to me to try to upsell me.  I realize that this is probably common practice but it has already turned me off to the company and put me on guard.  Where's the love man?

Anyone else have wonderful experiences with customer service (besides microsoft...we've all got those)