In general, I find that government employees - not politicians, or any kind of elected official, mind you - tend to be lazy, rule-bound, and HONEST. This is in the US where low-level corruption and bribery is not very common. And certainly in comparison to people who have the opportunity to get a buck out of me. Business transactions of all kinds - Circuit City warranties, car mechanics, mortgage loans, the price of a donut at a local deli - all these things are subject to manipulation due to simple greed. When I go to register my car, the clerk may be surly and unhelpful, but they have no opportunity or reason to screw me.
Qui bono, follow the money, etc, etc. Don't be so gullible about de gubmint and all that.