there's a lot of sadness in the world

That's where the fine art of communication, or dare I say persuasion, comes in at. Most people can see reason when its explained clearly enough to them. If all else fails, try compare and contrast: fixing the old one vs getting a new one. That usually always works on me.

The O.P. asked:
Are all bikeshops like this?

In my limited experience and town, not anymore, due to the welcome influx of town/comfort bicycles ridden by regular people.
Two decades ago, I took my ten-speed in to a bike shop to be weighed. The guy curled his lip at my hi-ten frame and non-alloy parts, as if he were hoisting a giant cow patty on the scales. "Ewww! She's not even wearing a jersey with a banana pocket in the back!" said his thought balloon.

Today, my local bike shop is the place that sold me my Biria Easy-Boarding seven-speed, after listening carefully to my requirements. They cheerfully attached all my accessories and made sure the bike fit me perfectly. The staff there a just as happy to pssshhht that last little bit into your tires at the beginning of spring as they are fixing up a racer's bicycle.
The shop is woman-owned and the staff is at least 50% women, and I'm sure that's the difference. I've had it up to here with guys who stand around talking among themselves, brazenly ignoring a non-spandex wearing woman customer.


~~~A bicycle without fenders is a person without eyebrows.

Why do I suddenly feel the desire to buy a Biria Easy-Boarding seven-speed bicycle?

I used to live somewhere that really didn’t have a bike shop, and also places with maybe only one nearby, and not too great, so I ordered a LOT online.

I was so excited to move somewhere that had a lot of shops with great reputations.

Now, I order a lot online, after crappy experiences at 3 of them. The 4th is just way overpriced. I’m willing to pay more for a good LBS, but their pricing exceeds my limit.

Plus, I’m a better mechanic than most shop mechanics.

Again, realistically... we’re talking about people who have chosen to work with machines, possibly because they’re more comfortable with things that make sense ;)