I've also noticed that getting actual help from an Apple Store employee has become more and more difficult, unless you're plunking down for the big new shiny. So, the last time I was there, I used their Apple Store app, which allows me to use my iPhone camera to scan the code on the item i wanted and pay for it with the credit card on file. I got what I came for, I didn't bother with any of the employees, and I got to pretend that I was shoplifting the item as I walked out the door with it. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.