I generally buy my bikes used, and a lot of the parts as well. But I see LBSs as a resource that is worth supporting, so I buy some from them when I can, even if they charge more than online prices. Like I said, when I built my wheel, I consulted with Bernie about what I hub, rim and spokes to buy, and he used a spoke calculator only available to retailers to size the spokes. When I got it built up, Bryan checked it out for me, made sure it was destressed, took the freewheel off the old wheel and put it and the news fixed gear/lock ring on the new wheel. I paid for the parts but all the consultation and labor they just did, no charge.

Anyway, so I'm conscious of what the online prices are, and I ask how much they charge before placing an order. If it's within a small amount, I don't mind paying the bit extra to give them the business. I think the parts for my wheel would have been about 10% less online, after shipping and all that.

As far as all the "confusion" of multiple recommendations, don't worry about it. I'll check out all the tires online and get back with the LBS and get quotes on the ones that look interesting.