Yes, Do support your Local Asian store, least the supermarkets squeeze them out altogether. If the local store hasn't got what your looking for, talk to them and they will probably get it for you. Supermarkets won't. Also the tiny little spice bottles are astronomical compared with packets from your local shop.
It's very true Supermarket curry's are getting better, I have tried a few but much better to make larger quantities yourself than you need and freeze. Gave up on supermarket Nan, I'd rather toast some Tiger bread with good old butter. Rice buy in at least 10 kilo bags, it keeps and improves with age.
As for getting started or new ideas checkout Latif's Inspired https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKlET6nkHSKNWef97D_UBkQ I hope more BIR chefs are inspired to post their recipes, methods and tips too.

As for post starting this thread. I agree many BIR's these days are just going through the motions and many are just churning out very unexciting meals. I think the turning point came when many seemed to give up their enthusiasm and turned finding the easy solutions, buying in premade bulk base etc. making many of them all taste the same, dull, lifeless and boring. It's a nightmare when I get a main course that I'd bin if I'd made it myself but sadly I've been served a few on my travels. It's refreshing when you find BIR'S striving to provide the very best in flavour and excitment in their dishes, chefs who are proud of what they produce and always striving to impress.