I hope I didn't come across as sanctimonious about the LBS thing. There's been plenty of instances where I've gone into a shop to look at bikes, taken one for a test ride and through my interactions with the staff at the shop decided there was no way they were getting my money and purchased elsewhere. (Which sounds like what happened to you).

That's way different than people who exploit the service of an LBS and then buy cheap online or somewhere else.

Anyway, sounds like a solid plan you have there. Happy hunting !