Rich,
Sorry to hear of the set-back.
If you do not feel the benefits of a high-pressure 235 over a 216, something is wrong. Give it a chance to break-in and then readjust/re-tune everything.
Regarding the hood "disaster": I keep good beer and good booze on hand (and good tea/water for my friends on the wagon) - to meet the specific tastes of local friends. When I have a small job that is safer with more than two hands, I call a friend (or a few) and ask if they want a drink (they get the drink after the small job is done). The cost of beer/booze/tea/water is minimal compared to the potential cost of a disaster.
Good luck.
