I have Comcast/Xfinity because it's the only wired broadband available in my area other than very slow DSL. The lack of Fios rollout here annoys me to no end... I'm within 10 miles of center city Philadelphia for heaven's sake! Lame.
So I've done everything I can to mitigate my payments to Comcast. Years ago I bought a used TiVo with lifetime subscription which has since paid for itself plus some since I've returned the Comcast DVR and forgone the $18/mo fee to use it. I also distribute it throughout my house via an HDMI splitter, saving additional converter rental fees. I also bought my own modem to save that rental fee. This combined with regular haggling to get "promo" pricing deals, and I'm fairly happy with my level of service for what I'm paying in a major metropolitan area. My internet is consistently fast and never drops me, and my HDTV choices are plentiful and it all works well with my TiVo.