Where have all the true Baristas gone?

Do you go for the coffee or the experience? 

I love coffee.  Good coffee. Great coffee.  Exceptional coffee.

And, lately, I'm feeling completely underwhelmed.  Actually, downright dissatisfied.

This is primarily due to the fact that my 9 to 5 doesn't afford me the time and leisure to spend 30 minutes waiting for a pourover.  Yes, I know.  That's what weekends are made for.

Seriously, is it too much to expect the larger chains (you know who you are) to go back to the '90s and properly train your baristas to be more than just "servers?"  

I don't see any "black aprons" these days.  

Maybe coffee chains aren't looking to hire people with a "passion for coffee" anymore.  And that makes me really sad.

For the past two weeks, my "Americano" has been a hurried shot with too much water.  Nevermind, my request to have only half cup of water.  

And I know I'm not alone.

Does anybody even know how or bother to put a cute little design on the foam these days?

Because if you're not having fun honing your craft, you might as well be putting together widgets.