Services for citizens or anyone with a SPID can be quite efficient nowadays. However, let’s not forget the slow and inefficient residence permit procedure that all non-EU citizens must endure yearly. That is and has always been like this. The only improvement in the last decade has been the addition of an appointment system for every step, and the creation of offices where you can ask for the status of your procedure.
It’s a similar experience to that of people from 3rd world countries that emigrate to western Europe. As you mention, you’re not 100% safe, but it’s a world of a difference.