Many people haven't the equipment, the expertese, or the desire to build their own engines. Many also don't have the ability to measure past what plastigage, or feeler guages will tell them. I don't know how it is in the bigger places but around here if a shop does good work the word will get out eventually but if a customer gets hosed, the word spreads like wildfire.
In my opinion the key is to find a shop that several have highly recommended and give that place your trust and hard earned dollars. I like it when a customer comes in the door and the conversation starts with "xxxx told me you are the guys" or "My brother in law, had an engine done here" or "I talked to you at the track about....". It seems at that point the credibility has been established, so the guy can get down to telling you what he wants instead of thinking he's gonna get screwed. Just makes for a better relationship all the way around.
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