If I did pay for the lesson it was worth it as i learned some things I had not known prior to my visit there. You may have a different opinion of the staff there than I do, however ones' experience with a client or saleperson is usually 30% their attitude 70% your attitude.
As a tradesman your experience is probably the same as mine, the clients who give you coffee, or snacks get more care put into the work done at thier home than the (&*^*(* person who demands this and that and then the next thing.
As to the extra cost of supporting a fellow independant business, yes it is worth it, as the independant guy needs you more than the large corporations. You are his/her customer base, not some faceless demographic study.
Will the corp say, "hey hop in the boat", when they see at the dock still fishing???
If you need me book now, it is heating up!