The roadside assistance is only as good as the "contract" facility in your area. Some are great, some, as you have found, are horrible. I had a bad experience with CoachNet not finding service in my area of need, so I now have Good Sam. Hope I never need them. At just over $100/year it is just comfort insurance. If a good provider cannot be found then you already found the next option of calling a local service provider yourself. As noted, many insurance policies also include roadside assistance. I guess I really have 3 different insurance options, as I have Good Sam, and Extended Warranty with assistance, and my insurance has a number. And if all else fails, I have a cell phone and Google.
Happy Trails