I should have added that there is nothing wrong imo with php and open source software for a website. The problem arose, i believe, when the 0 admin reviewed the site and wanted it all changed to force users to input their information prior to seeing the pricing structure. This would cause a rewrite of much of the software where the company would have to actually have some knowledge of php. The 0 admin also waited until the last minute which made it impossible to get the work done on time.
I don't blame the Canadian developer at all. The 0 admin shouldn't have waited until the last minute to review the site and should have given the development team their requirements from the start. Changing boats in midstream is never a good idea when there are written in stone due date on project completion.
PHP is fine is you want unmaintainable code.