Jed, I've been doing the same thing myself for years!
By varying times and days, when visiting local shops, it's possible to avoid detection by the staff, who are on constant alert for us proffessional-"just-looking"-guitar-testers.
I've had to extend my area to include a few more stockists and also resort to various disguises to maximise the number of visits per shop.
I have 4 accoustic,3 electric guitars, keyboards, a mandolin and several other assorted pieces of musical equipment but cannot resist the lure of a shop full of instruments because I am certain that one day I will find my own personal holy grail that will somehow turn me from the average pub-player into a super-star!!!!!
When I was a kid I wanted a magic pair of football boots like my hero in a comic strip.
I think there's a pattern forming!!!!

Come to think of it, I am on wife number three too!!!!!

Anybody reccommend a shrink?

C-flat.