I cannot comment on the buses as I haven't taken one, but the C-train seems awesome to me. They are regular, you get free travel downtown and it is inexpensive along the entire route. Yeah in rush hour you have your face in someone's armpit, but I can't think of a city where this doesn't happen.
I have no problems with the C and I am thus far happy to ride. There are plenty of 'Park & Ride lots along the routes, so if you don't want to drive into the heart of the city, you don't have to.