Leaky,
I went back and re-read your post...hate to see someone jump off their dam.
According to your post your pond is less than a year old. Most reputable pond guys give a 1 year warranty on the dam construction, exclusive of any modifications you have made since then. Even if he doesn't give such a warranty, I would confront him and say that is a standard practice and if he won't do it, then he has lost any chance at future recommendations.
Give it a try...what have you got to loose by trying that?
