I agree completely that one should focus more on building a relationship with your lbs than trying to save a few bucks. The relationship will benefit you better in the long run, and in fact might save you a few bucks as well. Example: I'm about to purchase my first road bike (have been mountain biking for a very long time) and have a good relationship with my lbs. After several trips to the shop, I'm set on a LeMond Reno, but unfortunately the shop is out of the discounted 2006 models in my (quite tall) size. Imagine my surprise when the shop owner offers to order the 2007 for me, and if I decide to buy it, he *offered* to give me the price that the 2006 would have been. (~$100 discount)

That goes to show that being on good terms with your lbs will pay off in the long run