Not really helping you Judy, but yes regarding the service contract - for the last 7-8 years, my dealer has been sending me two heads when the 8300/now8400 starts to run nozzle checks/head cleans too frequently. One head failing is an indicator that the other is likely on the way out. I'm on an ink plan, so pay over the odds on /ml costs, but make up for it in support.
Just re-read - $1000 plus parts - are you somewhere really remote?