I've had the MXT115 & MXT400 for a couple years now, and a simplex connection between my Son's house and mine was just "OK", and we are only 3.5 miles apart, as the bird flys, and no obstructions. Good line of sight. I've change out the antenna's, and that has helped with clarity.
As for utilizing Repeaters in and around the Denver Area, most are using different tones for TX/RX (Encode / Decode), and this is where Midland was really missing the boat (along with the Narrow vs. Wide band). I contacted Midland support, and was told to buy the DBR1 cable for the MXT400, and that they were working on a similar functionality for the MXT115. I bought the cable, and have requested a link to the software twice in order to update the firmware (hopefully addressing the Narrow vs. Wide), and then to program the required tones to reach the Repeaters.
I found another GMRS user via google searches that allowed me to try his software to program the MXT400, but was amazed to find the specific CTCSS & DCS that the Repeater uses were not listed in the drop down selection of the programming software. The tones used here along the Denver / Front Range are consistent with many other Repeaters, and can't imagine why Midland would not allow for them.
I have once again requested a link from Midland Support, hoping they have updated their software for ALL CTCSS & DCS TONES, but I am losing confidence they do anything but market to the Hunters and Kids that use the radios once or twice a year. I have since purchased the KG-805G, KG-UV9G Pro, and the KG-1000 Mobile from Wouxun, and am amazed at the performance, functionality, and customization. There are a few Chinese radios that I believe are absolute crap (having test and returned a couple), but Wouxun is rock solid.