Sorry - I can see how my comment may have been open to interpretation - no, it's not a "buy local" principle (though I can be guilty of that at times), but to support the local guy who can support ME as their customer.

We're 100% on the same page on this point.

Despite having ridden bikes as long as I have, I'm incredibly ignorant about bikes in general, and I need that support without any arrogant BS in the mix, or someone only trying to separate me from as much of my ca$h as possible.