Glad to hear I'm not the only french fry snob. Bad fries are becoming the norm. Even at some of my favorite restaurants. IF that restaurant has other great sides then I will return (such as Grayton Seafood, Whiskey Bravo, Local Catch, Red Bar, and many others serving crappy fries but great sides as an alternative). The onion rings at The Red Bar satisfy, and same for Grayton Seafood (fried okra too). Local Catch is the only place I order green beans on the side - they are yummm.
I don't need french fries all the time. But when I do want french fries I go to South of Philly, Johnny McTighes, 98 BBQ, Marie's Bistro, Hartell's Diner, etc. Looks like the new Craft Bar in Grayton has good ones too.
When I complain about the coated fries the chef or manager almost always says that their customers prefer them. And I do know many people who like them or don't mind them. They don't know fries!