Well, I am a bit late to the thread cause it looks like you got a handle on it. And I do agree with others that for $35, it isnt worth trying to fix, even after the parts mis-hap.
My only real comment is about the solenoid vs relay that was brought up somewhere around page 2. People do often use them interchangebally but that is incorrect.
Relay: just an electric switch that is controlled by electric. It has a primary (control) side that is low current and can be ran with smaller wire to the main switch. These are usually terminals 85 and 86 (if I remember correctly) The secondary side is higher current. Usually terminals 30 and 87 for normally closed relay and 30 and 87a for normally open (if you have a 5 post relay). Those terminals are for the "ice-cube" type relays found in the fuse box. The larger ones like discussed for the ford starter....it is pretty obvious which ones are the high current ones. And sometimes there is only one small terminal. This would be because it relys on the chassie where you mount it for ground. These types cannot be mounted on a plastic part of the vehichle. The reason for relays is that all of your interior switches like lights, windshield wipers, horn, etc would have to be made MUCH more robust to handle the current that would be required if wired direct. That would make the already massive wiring harness going through the firewall that much bigger. With an underhood relay, they can use smaller switches and wires to control the relay which acts as a switching unit for the higher amperage load. This also keeps the runs shorter and voltage drops less. Cause you have to remember, we are dealing with 12v system here, so the amperage is already much higher than if the same power componet were used with 120v, and with teh lower voltage, voltage drop is even more important.
Solenoid: Works in the same way as a relay, but instead of the primary controlling a secondary circuit (switch), the solenoids coil is tied to a mechanical device like a plunger or something. So a solenoid actually does mechanical work. Examples like controlling the starter bendix= solenoid. Controlling the power lock mechanism = solenoid. Snowplow valves = solenoids. Electric trunk unlatcher = solenoid.
So basically, relay = electric switch
...................solenoid = does mechanical work.
Sorry for being long winded, but maybe this will help someone somewhere down the line.