Yes, I agree that there is some "worth" to that relationship that you talk about with the LBS. At least here in Savannah, there are two shops that will bend over backwards to answer a tech question or sell you a seat cover and give you the same attention that a new bike buyer receives. The third (and unfortunately the one that is only 4 blocks away) could give a damn about you if you are buying a new bike (and maybe not even then). There is a monetary value to the level of customer service you receive.
By the way, what bike did you get?