Now it is even worse. They asked another company to come in, and suffered major sticker shock with the bid. I have a bad feeling this is a no win I'd rather not get involved job.
Classic case of client's expectations gone wild and I think you just provided your own solution.
The folks here that only know PF from his posts don't know that PF is a "give you the shirt of his back" type of guy - I can personally attest to this.
I see you getting taken advantage of here PF, I know that's not an answer to your question but as a friend I'm just giving you a "heads up."