The shop that simply says to strengthen your hands, is this the same shop you bought the Ruby at, not that it should matter at all I'm just curious?

I hate the "that's the way it is" mentality from some of the bike shop dudes.

If you bought the bike there AND they treat you this way, I'd have a talk with the manager or owner and if that dosnt get some reaction, go elsewhere. You don't want to deal with or trust your Ruby to a shop like that anyhow