Personally I agree with the OP that there is value in having a local knowledgeable dealer available to help with my needs. Surfing cannot compare with being able to make a single phone call to someone that knows me by name and getting exactly what I need. One of my dealers' parts guy lives nearby, he will drop parts off at my barn door for no extra charge and just mail me a bill. The parts or fluids are installed well before he gets my check in the mail. I know I will never be able to find that on the internet. I am happy to support a guy that will go the extra mile for me, and I'd be a fool to argue with him over a couple bucks on filters.
If you haven't tried your local dealer's customer service you might be missing out.