I'm sorry to hear about all the bad experiences with DB's...that's the last thing we as brides should have to deal with!! I guess I'm one of the few that has had a good experience (so far anyway). I've only tried on the dresses, haven't ordered it yet and obviously haven't gone through the alterations process. However, I will say that my experience was good. I purposefully made a weekday appointment, early in the day to avoid the DB's madness. Although I didn't have an DB associate just for me (apparently someone called out that morning), the woman who did work with me was very helpful, pulled all my dresses that I selected and some she thought I'd like. She was very good at paying attention to both brides she was working with at the time (me and one other).
I LOVE the dress and just need to order it now. Although, I may consider doing alterations somewhere else...not sure though.