People hate on PB because they are a nationwide chain wich means they make a huge profit and can sell products at a better price- like walmart. If your favorite bike shop had a 100 stores nation wide you would probly hate them too.
Their prices really aren't that good unless you're talking about their house brand stuff, which of course can't be compared because it's not sold anywhere else. The Performance/Forte/Spin Doctor stuff is of marginal quality in my experience, and their service department is one of the best reasons to learn your own wrenching.