I can't speak for all zones, but Zone 2 is about on par and maybe even a little cheaper than what an equivalent LIRR or Metro North fare/monthly pass would cost. Also, I haven't ridden all MTA and MBTA commuter rail lines, but I have found that MBTA stations tend to at least have the platforms covered more often than the MTA does. There's a lot LIRR and Metro North stations where they have no cover on the platform at all. No argument on the average MBTA train being of crappier quality, though.
I can't speak for all zones, but Zone 2 is about on par and maybe even a little cheaper than what an equivalent LIRR or Metro North fare/monthly pass would cost. Also, I haven't ridden all MTA and MBTA commuter rail lines, but I have found that MBTA stations tend to at least have the platforms covered more often than the MTA does. There's a lot LIRR and Metro North stations where they have no cover on the platform at all. No argument on the average MBTA train being of crappier quality, though.