I don't expect a master mechanic behind a parts counter but its getting pathetic out there these days.
I am getting distressed that I know a whole lot more than 90% of the parts people I have run across lately, I consider myself handy with a wrench and very mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic.
NAPA tends to have knowledgeable guys, unfortunately the nearest one to me is a 25 mile round trip else I'd shop there exclusively just because they usually know what they are doing and saying.