STL is in the middle of a conversion from old style CRT screens to Flat screen LCD monitors at the gates and information centers. This might have been why the screens were not working. While STL is not the nicest hub it is by far not a third world country. I transit it frequently and prefer it to some of the other overly congested hub choices. As far as eating and shopping in STL it has improved drastically over the last two years with the addition of some new restaurants vs the hot dog/pretzel stand and cocktail bar of two years ago. I agree that the AC staff is always very friendly. Third world country is T3 at LAX or the trailers at LGB.