I'm with you on the communication issue. After all, no one is 100% introverted. That term has also become misunderstood and misused.

Additionally, there tend to be other negative qualities associated with introverts. Just as there are negative qualities for extroverts.

One thing I did recently that's helped me deal with being an 'introvert' was to take improv comedy classes. It's helped me significantly to overcome shyness and communicating with people.

Communicating is a like a muscle, you need to step out of your comfort zone and just do it. Staying in the 'cave' too much at a time isn't good. It's sorta like atrophy. Just go out once a week and socialize or go to lunch with a co-worker.