First *real* bicycle as a grown up... more drama than I had bargained for...

[Trek420]

... So I go in... but no one comes over to help me even though I see three guys hanging out back, finally the guy helping the other guy .... walks back and tells them someone needs to come out and help me, they still didn't show up for another 5 minutes or so... So I walk around, I must have done 5 laps around that store -- and I guess after 15 minutes they figured I wasn't leaving, so a young guy came over and asked if I needed help

Ah, the invisible woman customer trick! Notice that the guy helping the guy didn't bother to say "someone will be right over to help you!" He was too busy helping the probably uber-fit athletic dude. That's poor customer service, I'm just saying.

Your money is just as green.

When shopping for a bike you're shopping for two things:
the frame, because over time you can upgrade most any bike to make it zippier and peppier as you and your cycling change but you're stuck with the frame. It must fit you.

the shop. they will be your guru, mentor and ally. Buy from the shop that helps you the best.

Both have to fit you. Buy at the shop that helped you best.