Thats a long history in trying to find an answer, but my answer would be ""Your out of luck". It's a hard lesson to learn but when you deal with the sub contractor, who is subing from the Prime, you don't have much of a chance in recovering your funds or a meter.
If your going to be in business on your own, buy a refurbished one for the $650 bucks. Rule # 1 is get everything in writing.
Rule #2 is to monitor your pay check "Weekly" Rule #3 don't deal with the local on site dude, go to their main office, ask for the head man or better the President of their company. Rule #4 be prepared to back up your claims Rule #5...take legal action or forget it and move on !!!
I wish you luck with the meter and lost funds, be sure you investigate a company before working your ass off for their profits and your loss. Keep Safe: Microman