To be honest, in the last couple of years I've been using USPS almost exclusively. As far as I'm concerned, they're the least expensive for small to medium-sized packages and their delivery times and reliability are equal to UPS or FedEx. Their flat-rate Priority boxes can't be beat. And with a phone call or a click of a button on the computer, they'll pick the package up at your front door at no extra charge. It'd cost an arm and a leg to have either of the private services do that.

As far as important letters are concerned, USPS overnight mail is as reliable as FedEx and about 15% cheaper. UPS is better for large, heavy packages, but you still have to wrestle them to the local UPS office or franchise. In The Villages, Villages Pack 'n Ship plays that role and their upcharges on top of the UPS or FedEx rates are absolutely exhorbitant.

I've tried them all and I don't agree with your assessment of the Postal Service.