I would never expect to be offered a cup of tea in a shop, any shop (tea shops excepted). You might get one downstairs at the gallery, but it's a workshop with an entirely different vibe. BD don't let you take the basses down off the wall and this is for the gain of the ultimate buyer.. That's you and me folks! So they're not about to risk hot liquids being spilt on them.
There's a caff nearby if you want a brew.
As for personal discussion on individual members of staff, I've found Marcus to be helpful and enthusiastic, but then I engage with people, what you give you get back.
I think we've had a balanced view of BD staff members from both sides and I'm asking at this point that we stop being personal at this point, otherwise sanctions will be applied.
Just remember, the reason BD gets under the microscope so much is it is one of the very few shops that does what they do. If I go to GAK and buy some strings and the counter hipster is clueless, it doesn't really bother me too much. Perhaps a sense of proportion is needed.