I have 4 cars, 2 of them Alfas.
Thus, over the years, I have spent plenty of time at my local DMV office (White Plains, NY), and aside from the last time, when I had to renew my license and was delayed because the computer system crashed (state-wide, I think) my observations have been positive: they have done a good job streamlining the process, and have employees whose only job is to make sure you have the right documents filled out and ensure that you are on the correct queue.
Twice, now, when registering a classic Alfa that came from a state that did not list the vehicle weight, the astute DMV worker asked where I got the vehicle weight listed on my application! When I showed her an online specification sheet for the year and model, she checked with her supervisor and then registered the car.
Another time, when registering my son's car while he was on an overseas deployment, I explained that he and his driver's license were on a ship in the Persian Gulf: the DMV agent noted that they are not supposed to accept a photocopy of his driver's license, but she graciously made an exception in this case.
Now, I have seen some ill-tempered DMV agents, but I have also seen a long line of clueless people with inadequate documentation who clog up the system and whose demeanor would try the patience of a saint.
We all have had bad experiences at the DMZ, but over the years, I think that my personal experience has been, on balance, more positive than negative.