What "new technology" equipment works perfectly right of the box?
How many versions of software has comdial put on their DX80 or FX's DXP, etc. that aren't VOIP?
No equipment will be perfect unless it is put to the real world test. Cisco, GM, GE, Time Warner, etc. expect that, end users know this.
No different than when a new car style comes out, it always has issues the first year. Everything improves over time. how many years went by b4 TDM was ready for "prime time"? I realize it has been around forever and works, but accept that fact that things can be even better is hard for some to accept.

Crappy quality is something Americans have come to accept apparently. Everything from a T-shirt to Phones is made cheaply. Be hard pressed to find a desk that was made from real wood. The only metal on a car anymore is the frame, the rest is plastic.
Its not just VOIP, open your eyes, its everything.

As far as McDonalds burgers, they have never been good haha