One of my colleagues reports that Starbucks is much better this day
following the 'stand down.' So apparently it was a good choice. He
said that just last week he took an overpriced SB's coffee back and
demanded a fresh cup, because it was foul.

I resent SB's because they don't offer real 'iced' de-caf. I de-caf'd
myself a decade ago. I had an intestinal issue, and had to ferry an
open-cockpit airplane from Ohio to New Jersey (at 100MPH). It was
aggravated by caffeine. So I broke my 2 double espresso a morning
habit. With the headaches and all to show for it. Never went back.

Dunkin Donuts, on the other hand, accommodates me. So there. AND they
now have some even yummier breakfast items, due to the new convection
ovens made to handle the new lunch features.