[masraum]

Yep, I'd agree with your assessment and the red flags.

Unfortunately, my take is that you're better off assuming every shop is out to screw you. They aren't all out to screw you, but whether it's malfeasance or incompetence you end up with the same result by a bunch of them. I've saved folks from being screwed (intentionally) by shops. I've heard the stories after the fact. I've personally been affected by incompetence and possibly intentional malfeasance myself.