It is interesting how different people conceive places, suppose that's what makes us individuals. We had our first visit to the USA 10 months ago, not sure if this is the OP's first visit but whilst we experienced some of the same issues, I don't necessarily agree with all the sentiments expressed.
My observations were food portions were much larger in the USA than we are used to, many time we shared a plate as there was enough to feed both of us, quality like home varied from place to place but generally was good.
Generally we don't eat fast food such as hamburgers, however had one in Vegas that was the best one I have tasted in years, there will be good places and ordinary places for buying food, no different in Australia. Experience wise it is a very different place to Australia, they are proud of their history, they preserve their older buildings, there cultural mix is different to ours and the people are generally polite and helpful, not like a number of our major cities where some people would rather get hit by a bus than assist a tourist.
I also found if you were hunting for bargains they were better value than what you get back home, especially clothing and footwear. I actually bought a pair of walking shoes, an Australian brand for about 3/4 of the cost back home, and that was with a poor exchange rate.
Homeless people are a problem in the major cities, bear in mind the population is so large it is much more noticeable. As a previous poster noted the poor are not treated well there, we have a much more compassionate society in my opinion.
I think it is hard to compare apples with oranges as it is a completely different society to ours, different cultures and attitudes, however isn't that what travel is all about, to experience those things.
My two bobs worth