> Funny that Specialized are worried about local bike shops given their track record. Want to stock Specialized bikes? They'll try and strong-arm you to dedicate the majority of your floor-space to selling other Specialized components, removing options for the existing customers of the shop.

Exactly the same as trek and giant will do. There's a whole other game involved when dealing with the top 5 consumer brands of $1000+ bike, as a local bike shop.