I agree. It would be great to see the independent video game stores flourishing in rural markets, but that assumes entrepreneurs in these economically distressed towns have the capital to invest in a video game store. Game Stop would typically build right out front of Target and Wal-Mart's front door. That's the market they're really trying to undercut. And those are the stores that probably propped up the rural locations.

If you have the luxury of living in a city with any independent business (coffee shop, pizzeria, book store) - pay the premium, support the shit out of it. If you own one of these business, don't be an asshole (unless it's necessary). In a world where any item can be at your door in 2-3 days, the era of the dismissive record store clerk are over and service is the barometer of repeat business.