FWIW, not everyone is sufficiently abled to ride an unassisted bike. Speaking for myself, I would not contemplate bike riding without an assist, my back is basically shot, left hamstring too. Yesterday I was able to enjoy the sunny weather outdoors on a 20 mile ride; without the 4 amp-hours to help me up the hills, there is no way I could have done the ride. And I'm pretty sure I didn't bother any of the real cyclists I saw along the way.

As far as bike shops go, I found the same attitude as the OP; until I found a Bionx dealer, the dude rocks. He'll indulge even my wildest bike fantacy, as long as I have the cash.