Since you've been wrenching for so long not sure how much help we can be?
As it sounds like you are very frustrated at purchasing a car that either your due dilligence did not catch or the guy was a fraud (sounds like he couldn't have been very upfront with you regardless) then you are best to either fix yourself as you've clearly got the skillset to do, or sell at a loss, or return to the seller and if need be go through the legal process to get funds if he's not willing to return your money.
Honestly, I'd not expect someone to look at my car for much under a grand or two if I'm looking for crappy running to come back great running. I'm assuming that with your background you've clearly been through the low hanging fruit so whomever is going to fix it will need to get down and dirty with it.
Good luck regardless, but calling guys out who've taken the time to respond with their thoughts doesn't typically result with much value add feeback from others. Calling you cheap definately may not have been the best approach, but responding with "fight me" doesn't help get things on track either.
Understand your frustration and blowing off steam is understandable, but you've got to reliaze guys on a TB forum are going to be a bit sensitive to the thought of someone litterally blowing up one of these cars, particularly one as nice looking as yours.
These guys will recommend a great mechanic, then up to you. They will also likely diagnose your issues in minutes if you give them a chance. Either way, use the forum for more than just blowing off steam.
My gut would be fix it yourself so you can stem the bleeding then either keep or recoup funds through sale. Blowing it up, although fun for a few seconds, would be biting off your nose to spite your face.
Hope it all works out one way or the other and good luck.
Joel
