Ya, the hourly rate thing would turn me off, too. The local shop here charges a flat rate to boil out and solder leaks and won't charge you if they determine that it can't be repaired.
I took them a '66 Mustang radiator and they told me it couldn't be repaired but needed to be re-cored for $400.00. Instead they got me a brand new copper/brass radiator for $200.
Ol' Roy's 1941 Harrison was hot tanked and soldered a couple years ago for $90. I wish you were closer to Atlanta.
You might be able to repair it yourself. If it's leaking already, you've got nothing to lose by trying.
