northeastwrecks and chickdiver, among others, you're very fortunate to have the LDSs you do. If I had options like that, I'd probably feel the same way. But I don't. By necessity, I'm pretty much a free agent.
My gear selection has been pretty much a la carte as I've slowly made my way from strictly vacation diving toward the technical side. Until very recently, it was impossible to get the gear I wanted within hundreds of miles, so internet or mailorder was my only option for several key items.
In other cases, the limited selection of gear at the LDSs was a serious impediment, and the exorbitant prices they wanted was the final deal killer. I honestly don't think there's anything the LDS could legitimately do for me that would justify paying an extra $500-$700 for a drysuit.
I've shopped around at dozens of LDSs, found a couple of good ones, some adequate ones, and a handful that were actively malignant. I don't mean that they were hostile, but that they were along the lines of a cancer in the industry.
I've made an effort to do business with the good shops where it's feasible because I want to see them survive and thrive, but even then I've had bad results on occasion.
So if any LDS took exception to my other-sourced gear, I'd politely explain why if so inclined. I might point out some of Genesis' less abrasive points if they pressed the issue.
Given my experiences, I can understand some of Genesis' frustration, even if I don't agree with his approach.