I've been using NCIX for years now and have probably built at least a dozen computers (half of them gaming rigs). I have never had any issues with them this entire time. I've only had three items go down for warranty (MB, HD and a vid card) and all were replaced after a short wait while they test it out.
I'm not sure what people mean by "better customer service" at ME or other stores as I don't know how NCIX could make things any better. Maybe they give free BJ's to those who spend more then $500?
The only time I've ever seen a salesperson in NCIX seem to get flustered with a customer is when you've got one of those idiots who decides they want to price out 10 different configurations for a machine right there in the store. Seriously? You can't even do a little research before you come to the store? You can't bother to build a system online first? You're coming to NCIX to buy parts to build a machine instead of going to Best Buy, so you must know something about computers. Stop wasting my (and everyone else's) time asking your stupid questions over and over. /rant