Chris, am apalled that the LQS treated you like that. Given the hard times small businesses are having, their attitude doesn't even make sense.
I met a really nice couple at Quilter's R and R, a retreat here in Ga. Glen does the most wonderful work and so does his wife.
Sometimes you need to show 'tude, as in I'm here, I want your help and I am a quilter! Maybe once they get past the gender hangup you should make more quilter buddies.