I had my laser replaced on my DV-50 not too long ago and went through a local Esoteric dealer, even though I did not buy it new or from the dealer. He handled everything and it shipped back to California for repair and was turned around quickly.
It has never sounded better. I think I paid a couple hundred dollars for the repair and it was well worth it compared to what a replacement of comparable performance would cost.
$2,600 to repair a used item is ridiculous. I'm glad the OP was able to get his money back.