What is so frustrating? I think that Google Map with Navigation is one of the best GPS apps I have used.... I do not get what you are asking about LosAngles, the map will show your loacation and if you are in LosAngeles then the map should reflect this, if not you may need to make sure that the GPS is turned on.... Go to Settings / Location and Security and check Standalone GPS.
Sorry if you took it as sarcasm but I didnt get what you was saying, as for GPS activation go to Settings / Location and Security and check Standalone GPS, the Google Location Services only triangulates your location with towers that isn't as reliable and as for the traffic I never use that on Google Maps, it works well on the Navigation app for redirecting around slow traffic.