I definitely support the new pigtail and while you may consider $17 to be outrageous (you said you "politely refused" lol) cry me a river. You can call your local dealer, part number is # 88988301 for the connector. Retail is $63.54, you may get a discount if you ask nicely but the aftermarket one is a much better deal if its right. The sensor is actually cheaper at $32.57 - #10096181 lol. But regardless you will need to either use butt connectors with heat shrink, or solder the wires together and then shrink wrap to get it back together properly.

Consider too a faulty connector could be the culprit and $17 isn't bad to get the car running right. But this is assuming that is the problem.