I'm not sure if you are looking for comments on this thread David, but just wanted to say that it is very interesting reading.
You seem to be suffering the agony of the early adopter.
I also feel for E-Car parts being the middleman between the early adopter and a manufacturer with a new groundbreaking and expensive product. I have dealt with Nick several times and found their service to be top notch. (Essential when you are several thousand miles away from a supplier!)
I hope that your Suplex Saga starts to go smoother!