I can relate to you with bike shops who are rude and unhelpful...Do they want my money or what? Having worked in sports retail I just don't understand... you are going to drop a good amount of cash to start with and then all the future purchases... Don't you want me back?!!? I felt so small when I walked out of there...but I digress...
Having recently purchased my first roadbike I have a few suggestions about doing it on the cheaper side.
(Mind you I love my bike-oh and its not a WSD bike)
Do your research. Test ride at local bike shops, have them fit you on different bikes and ride them. Go home and think about what you liked and didn't like. Get all the info that you can squeak out of them.
Go to a different bike shop and test ride a few more makes... then look for something used.
It sounds like you are not in that great of a hurry so you can spend some time researching it. This forum has been really helpful.
Craigslist has some great used bikes or contact some local clubs to see if anyone has something they are selling in the make and size you like.
Good luck and enjoy it! My bike is my new best friend! -Nic