I have no sympathy. On the one hand they act symphathetic regarding the draconian policies of maintaining impeccable paperwork to save money on parts when servicing name brand equipment and but turn around and revel in the fact that they can only sell the same price-protected gear at 100% markups and to ask for a discount is the same as asking them to close their doors all because the vendor will pull their dealership from them if they offer discounts.
Some shops around here have flat out told me they won't service my gear just because I either had incomplete paperwork or photocopied papers (I scan every original mail and receipt and shred after words to save storage space, it's a lifestyle I practice). Not even an issue of just charging more, they just wouldn't service it.
I learned an important fact about the local dive industry: I must make my purchases from a place that makes me happy. After exiting certain shops a number of times feeling guilty and upset, like I did something wrong, for not keeping exacting paperwork or for the simple reason I bought my gear from a different shop that is no longer in business, and being emotionally distressed over it I eventually decided any shop that causes me to feel that way for any reason will not get my patronage. PERIOD!!
A paying customer should not feel guilty or distressed after leaving a dive shop.
The dive industry is an interesting one. So I learn when to make political purchases, and when to lie about the origin of my equipment (I absolutely detest and abhor having to lie) in order to get air fills or other things like O2 analyzers or drysuits in the future.
In the end, shop where you please but be careful what you say around them. One can no more expect to be treated like royalty at Target after spouting off how Wallmart offers better prices than to expect most LDS' to treat you like royalty after spouting off how you spend your money online or at their competition.