You need a non-nucleophilic (sterically hindered) base to prepare LiCH2CN, like Lithium Diisopropylamide or the Lithium amide of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine. With Butyl Lithium you will see some addition to the nitrile I think.
You cannot just do an aromatic nulceophilic substitution like that. You would need either a very electron deficiant ring, or some kind of lewis acid. These kind of additions are commonly done using Chromium Tricarbonyl Arene complexes (Cr(CO)3Ar).
I don't think that buying pre-made solutions makes you a lazy chemist. Not having to make things like this up, gives you more time to concentrate on your work. The only thing that I don't agree with is the prices that chemical suppliers charge for them. But if you're not footing the bill, what does it matter?