DC I've decided I don't like you but that's probably just another flaw in my logic train. Yes I do think a $150 dollar bike that lasts me a year+ and doesn't have any major issues that make in unable to be ridden is a good deal for a commute bike.

If quality is quality forever your telling me it will NEVER EVER break? I will always be hesitant buying something 5-10 years old and the fact that you don't even consider my side and just dismiss it shows me you aren't being honest and considering all the facts.

Warranty-wise unless it's a 5year or lifetime warranty it's useless anyways, most warranties cover 1 year. It's there to make people feel secure and buy it when in fact things rarely break during their warranty period.

Maybe you're fine being a jerk to your LBS but I for one will not go into a bike shop and say "Hey guys I have no intention of purchasing anything from you but I do want to take all your bikes for a 2 mile test ride so I can get an idea of what I would like to purchase much cheaper from someone else probably used because the 40% markup on these things just to keep you in business is ridiculous when I can fit and tune it myself and the warranty is useless." But I'm not okay with that, I'm not rude like that, that costs your LBS money.

Original questions still stand though, any idea of what constitutes a good deal helps.