Sorry not everybody has a positive experience at their LBS.

As someone who helps out at just such a LBS, I can see the situation from both sides of the counter.

Some people who come into a LBS expect 110% attention as they spend an hour comparing and buying a patch kit ... others can't abide pushy sales people and are very happy to tell you so ... when we see you for the first time we have no way of knowing. Most of the time we try to steer a middle path.

Believe it or not it is often quicker and easier to sell a $3000 bike, than a $300 one. People look at a $300 bike know they can get one that looks like it for $120 in Dick's. People who want a $3000 bike know what they want and what it's likely to cost.

I'm just sorry Garilia wasn't able to try a few shops around here. I'm sure he'd have had a better experience.