I have exactly the same experience at my local Fords, the old guy will always try and source stuff for me, even ringing other nearby dealers, and turns the screen to show me what part he's looking at as concedes that sometimes I know more about my car than he does. Gave me trade prices on some bits that have been daftly expensive too.

The young lad who is replacing him on the other hand.... is a useless dribbly twat who says I'm not allowed to see his monitor, and EVERYTHING I ask for, is always NLA...

Sorry Chris I don't know about the switch just wanted to rant too!