Even so why take so long? So many others are offering it.

I think there might have been some contractual wrangling or waiting out as T-Mobile used to do Starbucks wi-fi until earlier this year but it wasn't free.

Also, from talking to staff in my local branch the roll out of the new BT system has taken longer than expected and Starbucks wanted every store to be wi-fi capable at the same time.

People like Starbucks?
I find their drinks and snack far below the standards of many other coffee chains.
Gloria Jeans is my current chain of choice. Their smoothies are better than SB's flavoured milk and the cakes are miles better.