Our closest store is, according to the BB website, 1.93 miles from our home. That store is extremely busy, even on weekdays it seems. We also have 4 other stores within reasonable distance although I don't use any of them. The mileage to those stores: 6.41, 8.43, 10.59, 11.10. I am not 100% sure all those stores are open since they are not in my normal daily route, although I can say that I am pretty sure about a couple of them. I also know that some that did close are no longer on the list, so I think it is pretty accurate.
If it weren't so darned convenient, I'd probably not consider it such a huge advantage over Netflix. But there is absolutely no way Netflix can compete with having a well-stocked store staffed with friendly, knowledgeable staff just a couple minutes from my home. I totally understand the sentiment of those that don't have a local store, however.
Also, it isn't accurate at all to say the in-store exchange is a joke as that is a blanket statement and I can tell you from the box of exchanged mailers behind the counter when we make our exchanges that a lot of people are taking advantage of it. You can say it doesn't work for you due to having no local store and I can respect that. But to say it isn't a benefit is just dead wrong.