You refer to line quality, but that's not the same as distance. Regardless of the distance, dimmers, engine ignitions, rainwater, etc. can impact line quality. I didn't say that everyone should be able to get 1.5Mbit at 30,000ft. It's impossible even on a pristine line due to the loss in the copper. I think your right.
People do make a pretty big jump from distance to latency.
That last mile or three has very little to do with it once they actually have a stable link regardless of speed. I are smart. Yes, I think I can agree with that. Peace is achieved. Yes, I think I can agree with that.