With regard to the 7700 squawk - some radars are set to filter out 7000 squawks, especially round TMA areas where there is lots of Class G airspace underneath controlled airspace. Without Mode C altitude reporting, we in ATC can assume you're outside controlled airspace (with certain caveats). 7700 breaks through all filters and calls attention to a problem, which is absolutely fine by me. (Not entirely necessary if you're great VMC with no other problems, though, as any ATC unit you call is likely to put you on a squawk for identification).
If I got a PAN call from somebody who was lost in my neck of the woods I'd be only too happy to identify your position and: a) help you find your way to a safe landing, and b) not have to stop departures, break several airliners off the approach and put them back to the hold to avoid an unknown contact in the zone. Take a look at the 'Fly on Track' website for some actual radar recordings of this happening.
And remember, everybody makes mistakes because we're just human after all! Seeking assistance at the earliest opportunity is a sign of wisdom, not weakness, and you certainly won't get criticised for that...