Mike,
I understand your frustration... I see the same attitude in what I do. People do not want to listen to advice and then pay for what it takes to make something right.
I also started as someone who bought the 944 because it was cheap... as a lark... but my pockets are deep enough, & I'm old enough to know, that if you want to enjoy any vehicle, you have to maintain it to a high standard. My $2500 83 944 has now passed $20k... but it's a sweet car.
People have to accept the fact that Porsche's of any type are expensive... they were expensive when new, sold in relatively limited quantities and are expensive to repair.
Like anything else, if the owner lets things go, when they, or the next owner, wants to bring it back to spec, it is even more expensive. We've all been there... for example, if the Previous owner occassionally treated the leather seats ($5 for oil) we wouldn't have to spend $500 for new leather covers.. etc.
Unfortunately, no one tells a new owner this. Sometimes, the PO (previous owner) just wants to pass a problem on to someone else. This happens in many used car transactions... but when buying a used Chevy, Ford or Honda, the repairs are relatively cheap because these cars are made to be mass produced and mass serviced...
I know I'm rambling here.... the future of the 944 is pretty straight forward... there will be very few left running... repair costs will escalate as the replacement parts become lower in demand and hence less are made... used parts from junk 944's will keep the better cars running. As they become more rare, prices will eventually increase to the point that the few remaining ones will become valuable.
The good news, Mike, is that the owners you deal with as time goes on will not even question the price. They will pay whatever it takes for it's money they have & peace of mind which you can provide..
Mike, you have one of the best reputations on the web and work one of the best shops I've ever seen in my years in the Classic Car hobby... you will do well....
Bart
www.classic-car-grouch.iwarp.com