The two stores i have been to are very welcoming to it. You are seriously considering a bike from them...there should be no hesitation to try em out. That goes for any bike store. Itd be like buying a car but not having a chance to test drive it first.

Bar end shifting isnt for everyone. I love it and have it on 3 bikes, but understand it isnt everyone's cup of tea.
What i love the most is that there is infinite trimming of the front derailleur, meaning it can always be adjusted to keep the chain from rubbing. This is because its a friction front shift (indexed rear) and you can adjust it when needed, which is a huge benefit with a triple ring crank.

Triples arent sexy, but i cant imagine riding on gravel without one. The middle ring is great for flat hardpack terrain and roads. The large ring is great for riding with the wind or downhill. The small ring is a blessing when i need a bailout on loose gravel on an uphill. With that small ring and large rear cog on the Mazama, you can spin and get up tougher hills (while moving slow). The small ring is also great with a headwind.

Whats great is there is no wrong choice. They are similar bikes in their marketed intended function, but they significantly differ in how they get the job done and its all just personal preference for which is 'better'.
Have fun!