I totally agree with the assessment of the first shop you went to. Stay far away, and tell everyone you can about that incident. Those types of people have no business in any sport, let alone archery. Truly sad.

On the equipment note: I have been looking around and talkin to folks about it as well. I would go for a full containment type rest and a single pin sight. Keep it simple and easy and, as mentioned before, FUN. Good luck.

JMAC