I have to step up in defense of the SC (and ATL is where I spend the most time)

I have noticed a big improvement over the past few months; I believe the vendor may have some new management and they are doing a great job. I have had really good experiences lately, especially in E,F,B. The food has stepped it up too in those locations; still room for improvement in the others.

OP's complaints seem to center around the actual DL agents at the service desk. The SC is my preferred way of dealing with IROP's, other than that I have very little interaction with the agents, but have never had a problem. It all depends on the individual agent; also, B is a zoo and they are very busy and this creates stress and makes it harder to get help. I am not making excuses, I'm just saying that's my observation. I had an agent at the D SC save my bacon on a IROP a few weeks ago so there are definitely good ones.

I do think checking in to the club is a PITA at B.

I have been critical in the past but believe in credit where credit is due. We complained about overcrowding, and there has been at least a little relief. We complained about the food, and it's getting better. I see evidence that they are trying.

What they need to work on is consistency. I went through MSP a couple of weeks ago and the SC was bare bones for food; on the return I was hungry and stopped for some egg's bennie and after that went to the other SC where they had a full and awesome spread. Had I known they had omelettes and hash browns I would not have stopped at the restaurant. My expectation was developed on the leg out.

I have heard similar complaints on FT about ATL gate agents as well. I rarely have the need to engage but they get the flights out on time and I rarely have an issue. I lived in ATL for 15 years so maybe I am just conditioned at this point.