Sounds like your problem is installers and not directv itself. I have had directv since the mid 90's when there weren't any installers. I did it all myself. Not hard at all. Back then, you had to find an electrician who knew what they were doing. Some stores had some contacts of people who could install it for you. If you had signal in the front, you should have it in the back too if they could simply point the dish in the same direction. Unless your house is really angled funny ...
I think the service has been great. I lose signal only in the worst rain.
Pricing is good, and since I have had it for about 12 years now, only a few increases, compared to cable with one about every year and alot higher % of an increase.
I still have my original receiver too. Equipment has lasted quite a while. I am about to get a 61" HD tv from a friend so I will have to upgrade to the HD receiver.
May be worth looking at again if you can find someone to put it in like you want it.