Mimi,
I'd say that bike is worth it!! What a gorgeous frame!
I think putting the hassle behind you is a good idea. Maybe he had a really bad day, lots of hassles with customers. You just don't know. You got your point across, he got his across to you. Fine, ok, done. As long as you get the bike and are happy with it. And, yeah, you get bigtime points for not falling apart on the phone. Yay, Mimi!!
Annie
Time is a companion that goes with us on a journey. It reminds us to cherish each moment, because it will never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we have lived." Captain Jean Luc Picard