fhq,
First of all, I wanted to tell you that I loved your story. Well done.
As with the others, I try to shop at the smaller hardware stores. Not as much of a selection, and higher prices, but the service is there. Thats where your extra money is going. It sounds like customer service is an important part of your shopping experience.
I believe in the free enterprise system. If you hate Lowes enough, stop shopping there. Tell everyone your story. Eventually, they will go out of business
