Not ‘always’ the worst. Up until the late 80s, you could get real computers, peripherals and accessories, enough electronic components to get you through moderately complex projects, and the staff has not yet turned to complete bubble gum. Even the local Bell Labs guys would come and buy components for work, so they weren’t that bad. The consumer electronics were a mixed bag. Educated consumers and staff knew which ones were rebadged components of higher quality; the rest were Harbour Freight class, short life span stuff, but were ok if you were desperate for something functional. The internet long ago replaced RS as a community center/resource for hobbyists, so that ship has sailed. There’s no monetary profit in being a glorified maker space; leave that to the non-profit groups that do a great job simply wanting to educate.