@ verso, i'd say that the guy you're talking about ceased to be "just your dealer" and became your friend. I have a friend that I met via dealing. But we're friends now. Yes, he still will "sell to me" but I consider him a friend instead of "just a dealer". I believe that that man has crossed that line with you as well, and ceased to be 'just a dealer' and is now your friend as well.
And that is NOT the dealer looking out for you, that is a friend. I'm sure that there are people he doesn't give a shit about, doesn't let see the inside of his place, and doesn't spend a night hanging/talking with. And thats because he is not the other peoples friend, simply there dealer, whereas for you it seems he serves both purposes.
What I believe most people are talking about in here is someone who is only a dealer and nothing more. And the average dealer does not give a shit about anyone. The average dealer IS cold, calculating, etc. Now, its possible to BEFRIEND someone who is a dealer, and then all of that coldheartedness is out the window, because they're your friend. But think about most dealers, shit even think about those you'd consider a "friend", and then look at those they only deal with on a business level: the $ is always relevant.
I just think its important to note that it is possible for a friend and dealer to overlap. But dealers do not give a shit about you personally, only the bottom line, which is $. A FRIEND may give a shit about you, and that friend may be a dealer, but thats the friend talking.