Interesting discussion. Like many other retail/consumer businesses, bike shops have to/have had to change to suit the market, because the market determines whether you'll be successful. If the high traffic customer base wants to buy new bikes and have them serviced when they're dusty, then the shop will be light on parts except for the stuff that wears out on the brands/models they sell. To do otherwise is poor business for all of the reasons listed in previous posts. Apparently many bike shops that are keeping the lights on and the doors unlocked are selling one or two brands (narrow and deep) plus accessories and clothing relevant to those brands. I don't hate those shops, they're just not relevant to my interests.

Local shop is an excellent bunch of guys, fun to ride with, nice to chat with & happy to help when I have to remove a particularly difficult bottom bracket. They go all goofy and drool-ish when I bring in a bike I've built but they know they'll never sell me a new one. I drop off a six pack of micro brew every month or so to keep the karma up.