I should just have used some JB Weld, some sanding, and a can of spray paint.
It is incredible the hoops that you sometimes have to jump through for a minor repair especially if the mechanic is running a little short during the holidays.
One of the tips on our Cherokee's stabilator had a little hangar rash and we were given a ration of crap about that. The mechanic argued that we needed to purchase a new matched set, or we could end up with some sort of imbalance that could make the plane unsafe to fly. Fortunately, we were not very far into the owner assisted annual and were able to pay him for his time which he wanted an exorbitant amount for and turn him loose. It is a totally different situation if you have left the plane at an FBO.
A King Air 90 had the bad luck of a bird strike enroute to our airport. Replacing the windshield section on the pilots side sent the owner of the FBO’s kid to at least two years of college. (Always get a ferry permit) The FAA will issue a ferry permit to get you home almost always. It comes with restrictions and operating limitations, but it is well worth it.