This is something I’ve noticed lately. A lot of hifi shops and hifi manufacturers have helpful staff, but just as many are extremely rude and arrogant.
I’ve had people speak condescendingly about my amp when I’m demoing speakers. Same thing for my speakers. I’ve even had someone, and I kid you not, tell me my streamer has shit sound quality.
It seems like hifi shops are either extremely helpful or just downright awful. The same with manufacturers, they either recognise that there exists alternatives or everything sucks ass compared to their product.
It’s a sales tactic. They are selling magic beans and they know it. Acting like snobs gives potential buyers the feeling that owning inexpensive equipment is below them, and below you, if you want to be one of the cool kids, and they want you to know that THEY are the cool kids.