To be fair, not all LBS mechanics are created equal. I've encountered some great mechanics, and I've encountered some s****y mechanics. I've had experiences where service would have been a bargain at twice the price, and I've had experiences that required going home and taking the time to retune my entire bike myself, because I got it back in worse adjustment than when I took it in. Unless I know of a specific person to steer someone towards, I'm reluctant to discourage anyone from doing the work for themselves.

I would argue that anything one is going to tour with, one is better off learning how to repair themselves, if the opportunity to learn presents itself.