Eric (electrobent),
I have some good news for you:
I've just been having a long talk with Yao (and Tom) on MSN regarding your problem.
The outcome of this discussion is that they will be sending you a replacement wheel, so let's hope it arrives safely and allows you to get your bike back on the road again where it belongs.
It's 3:25am here, and I need to get some sleep, but I will catch up with you another time.
Alan