I can't deny your logic, but the challenge is to still be able to communicate with the customer, to reassure him that he is getting value for his money.
Both you and Obsaleet made some good points. It can be challenging to communicate to the customer. I treat them as special in part, they are. Make you customer comfortable, the final bill is easier for them to swallow. The thing is, I have been doing this for years. A good solid reputation is by far the best advertising you can have.
My new landlord flipped her skirt when she realized who I was because of my reputation. She's letting me fix a couple of things at cost so we both win on many fronts. I give her a break on the cost and I can sleep at night, knowing that they are wired right. Pics are coming in a few days. That freebie will put me at the top of her list on who to call. She will confirm my rep to her friends and when they need someone, you know who the will call.
Sometimes selling obvious is a good tool. Creative salemanship is just part of the job. On larger construction jobs, every chance I had to do something noticbly at the construction entrances, I did, even if it was not critical. The customer walks in on the site, the see my progress, they are tickled pink.
Sell your skills, sell the product, make the customer feel special, empower them, make yourself stand out among the other wire heads and you will have more then you share of work, even with the economy the way it is.