I hear what you are saying...I used to have to drive over an hour one way to a great hobby shop.....now I have 3 to choose from and all are closer...
I know what you mean by attitude we used to call the owner of the closest hobby shop the hobby nazi..He didn't see the need to paint prop tips, if a student went to his shop and mentioned painting tips he refused to sell the student the paint....
Now the downside to not supporting the LHS...if you need a small item quickly to get back in the air, your done for a few days...
What would mail order do with their prices if there weren't a LHS...
Keep going to the one shop..as they get to know you it'll get better
Good Flyin