Where do I start...

1) You definitely "lean" towards being independent but you sure had a lot of help from others to get where you are now.
2) A truly independent person would have gotten online and done the research for what type of screws themselves instead of calling.
3) Is this really an article to comment on how others treat you or just a story you had to come up with to make some money?
4) If this is a real commentary instead of a story for money, do your own research before you make that call. Then people won't "talk down to you" and you won't get your feelings hurt. When someone start the conversation intelligently, then the other person doesn't feel a need to try to get you up to speed so you can understand the answer. Maybe, just maybe there was no easy "get type X" answer. Maybe there were factor that affect which type you need.
5) When people (men and/or women),  don't know what they're talking about and ask questions, others that are trying to help do the best they can.