We had no difficulties with activation, either, but each home that we activated, ours and Mom's, had separate accounts. All the boxes we were sent, worked, right out of the box.
This change is more than just a name change. Talking with a service tech installing equipment at Mom's, there will be remote programming, home security system and more. It won't happen for a while, but times, they are a changin' and we either adapt of get left behind....
After 5 years of Comcast service, I can honestly say they've improved quite a bit. They have been very responsive to any problem we've had. Saying that, there are some you get on the phone when calling who really don't have a clue. We've found out that it's just better to call again a bit later, you'll get a smarter and wiser responder. Believe me, the difficulties experienced aren't unique to Comcast alone...know some who've had problems with satellite tv, too....and don't even get me started on Embarq....I think my bit**ing made them change to Century Link....
