Sorry about your misfortune! You got all the bad luck in that deal it seems.
Much of what you described for maintenance and trouble shooting is nothing
unexpected from an "old" car. I refer to my 1948 Ford truck in my posts because it has taught me oh too well in that end.
I enjoy the older cars with a passion and can't wait till I can begin working on my Cobra and enjoy it's old time feel. I currently can't drive my old truck right since I moved and left it with my parents etc., and currently drive a 2006 Toyota Matrix...it feels like a luxury car to me and I hate it! lol
My point is I think they are made for some people and not for others..you either have a knack for that sort of thing or you don't.
Hope you enjoy your new Corvette!!
David