Ever been to the DMV?
In my state, actual government offices are generally less seedy looking, better staffed, and friendlier than the universally-privately-run DMV offices are.
Deputy Registrars are independent contractors and are selected on a competitive basis as described in the Ohio Administrative Code and RFP. Deputy Registrars receive service fees of $3.50 for each vehicle, driver license and ID card transaction; and $0.90 for each vision screening performed. All fees are established in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Contracts are generally for two or three years per Section 4503.03 of the Ohio Revised Code.
All that said, the private contractors do get the job done, but they do it in a way that's efficient with employee time, not in a way that's efficient with customer time.
DMV in Connecticut is horrific. One of the worse "customer service" experience.
Which says to me, all of the reflexive "DMV sucks" comments are missing the real question - why does it suck in some states and not others?
It also depends greatly on which office you go to. Trenton is, unsurprisingly, horrible.
You can also make mistakes too. However, if they are going to be easy with it, many people are also going to make "mistakes".
I say this not to say that you're wrong by any means, just to offer another anecdote.
I made an appointment for mid-afternoon to register my motorcycle. I was in and out in 15 minutes.
When I had gone in 2 years ago to get my drivers license, I didn't know about making appointments. I spent 5 hours at the DMV that day.
This convenience or a single roadside service call can make the annual fee worthwhile (but check first if they can/will tow/service a motorcycle!)
I'm aware this isn't the case in all states, but that says more about the priorities and competence of the people running those governments than it does anything else. Unfortunately a lot of people seem resigned to the idea that things are going to be run poorly and don't even bother punishing the politicians who are shirking their responsibility of administration and blaming their own failures on some abstract idea that government is always inefficient.
in a larger area, it's a 'pick a number' and wait drudgery.
ymmv
Service wise they do a pretty good job. They've spent the past decade or so beefing up their online and automated services. In most cases you don't even need to go to an actual office if you're dealing with a license or plate renewal.
Good government service.