Thanks for the responses... nice to know that I'm not alone.
That's good advice 9mm and that's what i'd do ideally. However, i'm a bit restricted in that they have my $500 deposit and that i probably do need a visa as i need to get a night rating. If i could find somewhere convenient willing to do the night rating in the UK this summer that may open up my options.. I think i may have to explore that avenue further actually.
If it's this difficult to give them my business i can't imagine how difficult it'll be to get my deposit back..definitely worth a go if this isn't sorted out soon though.