I lived in London for 5 years in the 1990s. I don't think I ever got decent service on the LU. Dirty, cramped trains. Rude and obnoxious ticket and gate staff. Sat in a tunnel for minutes without any clue from the driver what is happening. Yet they go off on strike, despite being on the whole, decently paid even for London weighting.
And Bob Crow, another one on a six figure salary, sitting there with his bloody sun tan and fat cigars. The hypocrite.
I have my own opinions on Bob Crow and don't think this strike is worth anything, but should point out that since the 1990s most lines now have new or refurbished stock, and drivers now tell you what's happening within seconds. In fact, they'll apologise for sitting at a red signal in about 10 seconds - even though it's quite normal to sit at a red signal (especially in the peak, when idiot commuters try and hold a packed train for an hour when there's an emptier one just outside the station waiting to come in, which is the held up, as is the one behind...).
And gateline staff? Never seen a rude one yet, and if anything they're far too quick to just let people in/out even if they have a problem with their ticket (as against revenue staff, obviously). I'd say the focus on customer service has changed somewhat in the last 20-odd years.
Trust me, give it another go and you'll see a massive transformation. Obviously you'll still see people huffing and puffing and cursing and abusing staff.
