one more thing: Once the chain/cassette wear out, upgrade away. You can find great deals on appropriate cassettes online, and changing the cassette is very easy with the proper lockring tool (which is cheaper to buy than most shops would charge for the 1-time service.) I use only SRAM chains because i like the powerlock quick-release link. Everyone has their preferences, of course, but modern shimano chains can only be installed and removed the one time. Sorry about any negative rant on the LBS, but the people need to realize that they ARE competing with online retailers, whether they want to or not. Maybe your guys are different, but as far as I'm concerned, there is no LBS in S.Jersey and Philly.
-rob