+1 on Pirate's post.
The BS is giving you a whole lot of BS. Obviously they want to separate your money from you, without doing anything for you. I also had a bad experience with a LBS, fortunately there are a lot of bike shops close, and I found one that I really like - Wheel Away on Hamilton. The employees evening like my 1985 Schwinn World Tourist.
If you were anywhere near San Jose, CA; I'd be happy to adjust a bike I have to you size and let you try it - it is Cro-Mo, no suspension.