I think we've all come across this at some point (more often then not I'm afraid) I can't count the number of times I've fixed the aspect ratio's on DVD players that were set to 4:3 even though they're connected to a widescreen TV. I've had very similar discussion about stretching a 4:3 image on widescreen TV's as well and like you no one seems to care
I basically use sales guys as someone to run and get the model I want from the store room rather then a source of information.