Ok, here's the scoop on my damaged tire:
Took it to Discount Tire. Now I know some of you are groaning, and others are shaking their heads....but these guys did a PUUUUUUURRRRRRRFFFFFEEEEECCCCCTTTTTT job!!
It looks like they never even touched the wheel! I'm sooooo pleased! I now have a trustworthy tire shop!
Here's another jewel: the nail that was in my tire did not puncture the tube, so no repair was required!
One last thing: I didn't get charged a penny!