1. Xepherys - lattes may be real coffee, but they don't taste like it.
2. I'd go to a "real" cafe, but they are always too strong for me, too bitter. I ask for extra milk, and it's like I'm talking to myself. That said, there's one awesome place in my nabe, but it's completely inconvenient to my commute (and their prices aren't that much cheaper, actually).
3. Baraka, dude... go enjoy your coffee-snob stuff! (I say that with all affection.) It's all good! Just don't hate on those of us who enjoy our Starbucks! I agree there might be a few *too* many stores in places like NYC, but overall? Who cares? They're not an evil company. They take care of their employees, they give back, and they don't kick puppies. A win all round, I'd say.