I know what you mean, it's a farce. I finally got my ISA transfer through last week but only at the cost of my local branch referring to me as 'Quick, hide, here comes that moaning b*****'. I still read there are Portman customers out there who are still suffereing from their merger last year.
Mind you, to be fair to the Nationwide I get the feeling this was something 'foisted' on them by the FSA. The startling reluctance of the NW to put their names above the doors of DBS and CBS branches is, to me, quite telling. Lets face it, the Nationwide have never been shy in blowing their own trumpet. Why the reticence now?
My old dear has investments with the DBS worth tens of thousands and we've dealt with them because they have very friendly staff who are prepared to take time out with their customers - like a BS should. Here's hoping they don't get re-trained the NW way otherwise her money will be joining mine next year - out of the Nationwide.