Bike mechanics generally don't have salesperson social skills. Being a scientist with a similar inclination, I actually find this a bit refreshing. So take the grumbling with a grain of salt. If it is a warranty issue, Trek will most likely stand behind it.
If it makes you feel any better, my kid broke a derailleur (stick flew into it -- not their fault) and chainstay weld (their fault -- warrantied) on a $3K mtn bike within the first hundred miles. Shyte happens.