I also like smaller LFS when I buy fishes. I like the familiar service and human relations better in the small stores. But for equipment, I find that bigger stores have cheaper prices, which is natural I guess.
I think customers have to understand the fact that an LFS has to do some profits to live. Sure their prices are higher than group buys, but you have to understand that they are running a store, paying workers, electricity etc... They are also taking the chances of the fish dying, the fish getting sick or being not able to sell the fish.
It is a bit like you going to a restaurant and complaining why the food are so expensive when you can buy the ingredients and make the dish yourself at home.