they do use a lot of local garages but Ive never had a problem with them.
They do prioritise calls though I think. From your name am i to assume you are male, if so a lone female would take priority over you.
Plus they dont keep thousands of breakdown vehicles on the road so at peak times they may already be on a call that they have to finish before getting to you.
Did you ask them to keep in touch about the time theyd arrive?
Ive been with the AA who i found to be very good when called and now have recovery etc through my insurers. When i called them out over easter they sent a RAC / small garage recovery vehicle to me, who arrived with 30 mins and recovered my vehicle to my home address which took a ferry crossing and a 6 hour drive. I was very impressed with it.
Worth asking your vehicle insurer, some even cover for costs occured, i am being refunded the cost of getting the recovery vehicle on ferry and am covered for up to �3000