"Needless to say, I bought Sears."
They do work you over hard on the maintenance agreements, which I am sure is where they make up the difference in sales price. But like you, I tire of the big box electronic retailers hiring "sales people" whose knowledge of the products ends with what is on the outside of the box.
Craftsman Tools are also a good deal. I bought one nice set 20+ years ago and everytime I ding or break one, I simply take it to the Sears Hardware Store and get a new one, no questions asked. I have returned hammers where my over swing snapped the handle out and they replace it. If I were a contractor or mechanic, I would shop nowhere else for handtools. (I would for electric and rechargeables.)
In my part of the country, if the economy ever goes bust and we are reduced to bartering, Craftsmen tools will become the common currency. lol