Again...paperclip in lighter = absolute bullsh*t.
Why?
1) The first thing any trained tech would do for a non-functional blower, is to check all the fuses and relays. So they would have caught a blown fuse in less than 5 minutes. None of that "computer destroyed by alarm system" or other mumbo jumbo.
2) Try to short your lighter with a paper clip, go ahead, I dare you. This is not something you can do "by accident" with a paper clip.
mpgerber, I think you need to call BS on that service department and see how they respond. Most likely you need to stop payment and report the shop to BBB & Yelp & forums like this one.
Unless...someone intentionally shorted your lighter socket, and you told the service department that you had already checked all the fuses...
-Jeff