Yeah, I tried to switch off google maps and could only get directions to street intersections or towns. Instead of getting mad about it, I decided to fix it.

That's big of you! I would have just thrown my computer on the ground and cried.

Seriously, it boggles the mind that so many addresses aren't in it...

There's been plenty of computer-throwing and crying, but all worth it. Now I can get directions without my phone highlighting every Mc Donalds and saying things like "turn left at the People's United Bank". I started to wonder if google chose routes which specifically sent me passed advertisers' stores.

I have noticed in many places in the USA residential addresses especially are very incomplete on OSM.

That's kinda crazy to me... but it's good that good samaritans are contributing!