Originally Posted by Essex

There are grades of buyers. For someone willing to spend upwards of several thousand dollars - the marketing and services should reflect what a upper-tier consumer wants. Autonomy, interest-specific range of gear, 3D FIT services etc. That being said a upper tier, interest-focused consumer would typically set out and find a dealer who best represents their interests vs. a shop which operates in a generalist mode. Much like the OP, I want the vendor to focus on my specific needs and do not care so much about the nickel and dime stuff. The 3D FIT for me is something I wanted as I have spent a few years doing things wrong in cycling and I am willing to learn from experts vs. experimentation on my own.