I don't post here very often but I will add my 2 cents. I am good friends with both Pins only and Hardkor. I have been collecting pins since 1989.  I personally know the service tech here in Calgary. He does this as his career and makes his living at it. (and is very good at it!)  As many of you all know, it can take many hours to go through a pin to make sure it is safe and working as designed.  He charges an hourly rate just like anyone else who repairs mechanical items.  I would think that majority of the $800.00 service bill would of been in the labour end. He also picked up this machine to take back to his shop to repair and then delivered it back.  
Did sinpin get ripped off? Absolutely not. When you are not in the position to fix your own machines, you must be prepared to pay someone for their time and expertise.  Sinpin could of easly asked any of us here in Calgary to give him a hand, but I believe he was anxious to get this pin up and running as quickly as possible so he decided to pursue someone who could get the job done quickly and effectively. His choice and I don't think he has a problem with that.  
Buying a pin sight unseen is always a risk. I try to only purchase my pins with ones that I have personally inspected, but there are times when the title you desire is not in your area so you must purchase elsewhere.
This is when you have to make sure to do your homework.  Like pinsonly said, one persons 8 is anothers 4.
Gary.