Don't feel bad. I had a LBS tune it up a year ago and they didn't say word 1 to me about that issue. And once you start searching for information about it online you'll see that it's a pretty well known issue. Of course, maybe the kid that tuned up my bike was still sucking his thumb in '95. Who knows. I got a set of front & back brakes for $20. So far I've only had to replace the front. I bought the bike new but it had been languishing for many years. The brake problem happened within 30 miles of me riding it again. I'd say take it back and make them fix it if it happens within a month or two of purchase. Otherwise, it's a pretty easy fix.
Also, in settings I think you can change your status to whatever you like.