If I'd had the option of sending stuff to a shop there are plenty of times I probably would have too. As-is, I can tell you that sometimes the more of a struggle the sweeter the eventual victory :p
Sorry about your breaker bar, that's pretty weak. I remember one time having me and the boys all jumping up and down on the end of an 8' chunk of pipe on mine and it held out alright. Actually a beam style torque wrench with the measurement part broken I found at a parts yard, not like a hardcore pro unit or anything. Imo if it can't even hold up to your body weight return it and get something that can, this project aside they're an important tool
$400 ain't bad though, thanks for the update