rc-satellitte You got the best attitude I've seen on this bar in a LONG time. You are right, it makes all the difference in who you are working for and it makes a difference on who you are.
Find a small contractor that has good people that do good work and i don't think you will have any problems with your money, the smaller contractor probably pays better also. The big companies are where you will get screwed.
Good luck in your quest to find this contractor, rc-satellite you have found the one out of a thousand to work for. Thumbs up to your company and crew if i had techs coming to my house i would want one of you with the good attitudes.