Dan, I hope my posts haven't upset you
As I've said money aside, I'd own the Lux. Brian helped guide me through my purchase and he knows how much I'd love a Lux. I was ready to sell the Sebo is I could have gotten the Lux for 1k shipped. That's just one great machine and it feels head and tails above all others for my dollar.
As for my experience, I can go to many stores in WH, CT and get the same snobbish service or lack of service.
I can also go to the Aerus store in Meriden, CT and probably get great service. Not sure of the door to door stuff, but maybe. Meriden is lower economically than WH. I never tried to go to another store as the price was WAYYY more than I was able to pay so I didn't want to waste anyone's time. I have lived all over the world and been to 48 states. I went to the local vac store here in Venice, FL this week as I'm helping my folks. He had all the vac's other than the Lux and he was great. Very open about his thoughts on build quality and what he recommends. He has the Sebo like I do and he doesn't even stock the D4.
he serviced my dad's little filter and upgraded it. He cleaned the vac and made sure it worked the way it should. he was just great. I almost expected that outside of CT, lol.
You brought up the point of different attitudes in different areas and i fully agree with you. Without question. The reason McDonalds grew the way it did was due to the ability to get the exact same thing at any McD's anywhere. Lux and others should take heed, that's for sure.
Thanks for sharing and making me want the Lux, lol.