I used to ride a fair amount on a 30 year old road bike. Got back into biking this summer after a 6 year hiatus.
I was definitely new to all the new technology like indexed shifting for example.

At any rate I had the same dilemma as you when deciding on a new bike. LBS and lesser bike or BikesDirect and hope for the best.

Iwent to a few LBS and learned all I could from them and the internet.

I decided on BD for the simple reason of cost. I got a $900 bike equipped with Ultegra, Carbon Fork, and basically everything else I could imagine possible at that price.

I can say I am VERY happy with my choice. I did all my own setup and have made a few adjustments since. I have always been a DIY kinda guy.
You can always pay a LBS to setup your BD bike for $50 or so if your not comfortable with the idea.

If you know the size frame you need, you'll be fine with the BD bike.

I'm putting 150-200 miles a week on my bike, (mostly commuting), haven't even had it a month yet.

At the price you are looking at why get Sora that you can get from a department store bike when you can have Ultegra**********