Having used AAISP at multiple rural sites I would consider them one of the elite ISPs. Yes they're more expensive than your budget provider, but you get what you pay for. If you have a problem they'll promptly do what they can to resolve it.

Have we had faults and downtime, yes, plenty. The vast majority due to the ageing Openreach copper network. For this A&A provide bonding. While a fault on one line is resolved you can keep working. Even inherited complex faults have eventually been resolved by A&A thanks to their comprehensive line monitoring and persistence with Openreach. All without having to chase them or spend ages trying to get through to someone for updates. They provide effective, prompt, support via email as well as phone.

Paying for simple can be absolutely worth it when a service is important to your ability to conduct business.

A&A aren't for everyone but I'd have wasted a lot more of my life if they didn't exist.