Home Delivery Network/Yodel

Not specific to SE1 but given the threads about Royal Mail services locally I wanted to see what experiences others have with these people. Mine has been shocking. I've had my fair share of trouble with RM delivery but am a big fan generally and can't think of many services you can buy these days for 46p.
These cut-price companies are the thin end of the wedge (read it and weep)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/apr/29/mail-privatisation-second-class-delivery

and generally only have the interests of their customers (senders) in sight. The recipients get a very poor service.
I have emailed Yodel press office today but obv as an individual have little chance of getting a reply...