meh 2 weeks after I got married, my Stagea broke a rear control arm, which spun me, causeing ~$10k's worth of damage, thank god for full comp insurance.
I still own it, 1.2yrs later Still bloody happy with it, only selling it because we want a house, doubt it'll sell though, but if it is for sale then the wife is happy
I say put it down to bad luck and move on, sounds like you have a very good base to start modifying, rebuilt motor and all
BTW Pop into the stagea section, you are not the only wife that owns a Stagea, I am sure Krissie and Krew can cheer you up