In all fairness David, I think for many LBS... the very FIRST positive sign I would look for is that the mixed messages... STOP...
I'll submit that the only real place to effectively observe and monitor change (whether good OR bad) is to have a stable base to gauge from...
Because for me and others, much of what seems to happen is the tail chases the dog (or as MWD say, we "go down cheeseless tunnels")...
If you do a 180, such as your commenting (and being sincere about it, not having it be a tactic) how you appreciate her help... if she responds positive (and I would say she did, in your case) and the next time or the third time it's negative... such as no response or your typical short "k" and "thx"... then either the mixed messages remain or it's not a stable gauge...
The reason I'm a little cautious with offering support right now is because for the past 18 mo's, (lovely 20/20 hindsight) I've had the "come here / go away" condition... the "come here" portion really being my W being nice to me because she wants something, as in wanting to be "friends" or wanting a baby sitter for the kids, or some such... I just didn't see it at the time...
Anyhow, look for that stable base before you start looking for change... IMHO...
