Beauty Counter, friend or foe?

As a qualified make up artist I'm often found in a state on wonder regarding beauty counters. I have been approached in the past to work for a top brand and the aim seems to be (obviously) to sell their latest season of products. In order to do so you are given these particular products to slap onto your face to sell sell sell. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all for many of these brands and adore their products, but I adore a variety of different brands, not just one!
A few friends of mine enlightened me on their own experience too. 'I never ask advice from staff on the counters as I'm slightly put off by the way they look... Over made up.' 'I have only ever asked at the MAC counter as they appear more knowledgeable and friendly and most importantly .... Honest!' I have to say that MAC is one of my favourites too, is this because they are qualified make up artists, so they have that extra bit of knowledge and are open minded artists? Another Friend of mine puts it 'Depends on which counter you go to , for instance, the Dior counter at my regular store has a lady who runs it that is too made up, she looks positively frightening and puts me off . I wouldn't want to look like her!  On the other hand, the girls at Bobby Brown wear hardly anything at all, and for me you can't tell what the products can do for you.'
From what I'm gathering lots of ladies know what products they like, dash in grab them and dash out. Not good for those members of staff that generally do have a passion and knowledge of make up and beauty. Would these companies be better off not cramming the 'sales, sales, sales' down their staffs necks? I'm not always keen to walk through some department stores cosmetics floor as you are greeted by an army of staff popping out to 'help'. I always feel like I'm being watched, perhaps to see if I'll stash the products in my bag! I like to feel free to browse, skip form counter to counter, try things and not be watched or helped. I'd like to see samples more regularly given out so I can try these products before I buy. Lets face it, some of these items are not cheap!