UPDATE:
Went with Joe_Blacke's recommendation and very satisfied. They came out the same day I called. Unit was fully checked out and recharged and has been working great for 2 weeks now.
They also checked and serviced my other unit - no issues.
If I wanted to nit pick, I would say a bit overcharged...paid by the hr but he spent 40 minutes in the truck writing up the invoice. But didn't haggle and paid $1,600. Same song that R22 is mega-expensive. Though the unit holds 4 1/2 lbs max and 30lbs is available for around $400 (there's another thread in GD on this subject).
It is what it is and they have it and I don't...
I liked that we talked and agreed on an approach. He gave me his opinion on what he would do, which matched mine. Basically he did a leak check, charged it and we'll see how long it holds. 3 weeks or 3 years.
The repair/replace discussion was low key. Was quoted $12,999 for a replacement 5-ton but they also let me know they don't do the rip and replace themselves.
So I got exactly what I asked for and I know the risks. Seriously, it's a difference between putting an engine into your car or buying new. I tend repair things and run them forever...
He said if the evaporator were to go, it would be a $3,500 fix. Great...so that plus the $1,600 a fraction of the replacement.
So we shall see...
I would recommend them...
We had called another shop and they were ridiculous. They said they could be over the next day. I told them I had an R22 unit and I was looking for a repair. They said fine. I pressed a bit further and then they said "We don't have R22...it's thousands of dollars for us to stock and we just don't use it". So they wanted to come out without any intention of fixing it (unless it was a cap or something).
Anyway..thanks Joe Blacke...I'm happy...
This thread is now complete...