Car Salesmen as Optional… Left wondering after Test Driving a Honda Element

After the transmission of my  current Concierge Mobile failed, I started looking for a new set of wheels. I finally set my mind on the Honda Element, not for its good looks but for its practical elements such as washable floor, big cargo, folding seats and square back door.
I do have to pick up or dispose of furniture and other large items for clients of my New Jersey Concierges services on occasion and I thought the Honda Element would be very good for that. I also thought it would offer me a good amount of space to display my logos and business info, a moving billboard of sorts.
Before I went any further I checked Honda’s Website for more details. It gave me all the information I needed. I would give it a great rating.
Next step was a test drive, which I did yesterday at a local Honda dealer.
The salesman helped us promptly. When we got to the vehicle though, the back seats were folded to the side and he did not know how to put them back in place.
I had to find out by myself. The ride was pleasant. The vehicle has more space than you would think from the outside, comfortable legroom. We asked about some of the instruments, the radio and CD player. The salesman knew very little about this vehicle. We were testing the 4 wheel drive automatic version. It had a sun roof above the back seat, we were told that it came with all the Elements the dealership got. Was it an option and at what cost, we did not get an answer.
Overall the experience was frustrating because the sales person did not know his product and was somehow useless.
So I ask the question, as in banks were the customer representative knows less than you do, should car salesmen go the way of the dinosaurs?
Why should we pay a commission to someone who did not add anything to our buying experience?