I think each of the shops gave you fair advice and opinions. Maybe you went in with the wrong attitude. I haven't found the bicycle buying experience to be anything like buying a car. I've never felt that the guys in the bike shop were there just to take my money and guide me to the most expensive bike I could afford. Nearly every one of the major bike brands have an entry at every category and every price point. You can get a hybrid with disc brakes for under $500 and you can get a hybrid with disc brakes for $1300... you'll most likely get exactly what you paid for - the bike shop guys aren't there to swindle you... they are really there to help you make your best decision.