I agree that there is a major difference between Starbucks and "real coffee". My family is originally from Spain, so they make their coffees with aluminium cafeteras (a small coffee maker you heat up on the stove). It's really strong coffee and I love it.
But I like Starbucks coffee because - the way I drink it - it's sweet and smooth (and my stomach loves it, too!) and you can just down it. I'm also a big fan of their coffee frappucinos - reminds me of Frappe in Greece!
I use a Senseo coffee maker at home (and I am just zipping on a beautiful coffee right now). It makes really good coffee, too. (Still, probably not coffee-ish enough for the hardcore coffee fans). =)
Re Mickey D's - my uncle goes crazy over their coffee - he still says it's the best coffee in the world...
I should mention that he is 78 though...haha! I guess his heart can't deal with "real" coffee anymore!