I have to say that that store and the Rock Hall WM have quite
knowledgeable staff. Most of them are there for the discount. One's a
frequent contributor to various sailing mags.

I've used that WM in RH, and concur. While I agree with the general
tenor of the posts, I'll put my kudos in for the WM staff in Deale,
Being right in the midst of all the boatyards they stock heavily on
maintenance items, the kinds of things you'll dash off to a store to buy
'cuz you need it right now while working on your boat. I've also had the
staff advise me of upcoming sales, including spcial, not advertised
sales.

Those stores excepted, I concur with the rest of your post.