But is a visible blend line REALLY that big of a deal? Spot repairs can look just as bad if the color match is off or the clear coat fails. A proper blend might actually last longer and hide the dent better. Maybe the issue was with how the blend was done, not the method itself.

Oh man, I used to be so quick to blame the parts too. Reading this actually makes me want to slow down and check the simple stuff first. It's a good reminder not to skip the basics.

Ever just add a flat travel fee to cover it? Seems like the only way to not get burned. Traffic is such a wild card.