So, tell me, B&M owners/employees...when your passion becomes your business, do you slowly...maybe quickly...lost interest in your product?
I don't think that you necessarily lose interest in it, but there is no doubt that it becomes a job. Hobbies that turn into careers lose their luster to a degree. That doesn't always mean that they don't care about them at all.

For example, just last week I was sitting at the table of knowledge at my local shop, which is amazing by the way, having a stogie and talking to the shop manager. I mentioned this site and we talked about discussion forums for a while. He is not a member of any and when I mentioned him wanting to go home and not think about cigars his response was, "I'm here six days a week and all I think or talk about is pipes and cigars. When I leave the only cigar I want to think about is the one I'm smoking."

I totally get that.

However the difference between this place and what you're talking about is that the manager and all of the employees are not only extremely knowledgeable and up to date on the latest products but also very polite and quick to strike up a conversation with customers, newbies and experienced guys alike. Heck it wouldn't make any sense to be any other way. The goal of any business is to make money and the way you do that is be the best at what you do and treat people good. Seems elementary to me, but after all, I'm just a half smart country boy so what do I know? I'm sure those fancy Caleeforna folks know better than me.