Oh, and as for your second question, I didn't wait weeks to attempt to hook the thing up, but it wasn't a big deal to wait for a cable to arrive, since we have another functional printer on my Mac setup, which is what I tried to use today when I discovered the cartridge issue.
So it was decided YEARS ago to let the customer buy his own. Try Epson, HP, Brother, Compac or anyone else. You will find NO cable.
Now how the HP customer service gave you the run around, is not right, and you're right to be peeved. But in truth, you had no leg to stand on when you called and demanded a free cable that the box CLEARLY STATES is NOT included. IMHO, your correct course of action upon learning that you were short one cable should have been, to slap your forehead, mutter "Doh", and gone out to get one of the proper size. The ink cartridge problem should be addressed, and I'll wager it will be.
Be well....