Whereabouts are you? I recently purchased a 2nd hand Kuro from a Pioneer repair centre in Harpenden, Herts. The amount of spare parts they stock included glass for screens as I saw this with my own eyes. HTH.
I'm asuming the Tv is under warrenty. Buy the Samsung cable as a spare because if the tv breaks down you can put the genuine Samsung cable back and not break any warranty T&C. As for the Merlin upgrade I'm afraid I have no idea.
How about the QAcoustics Q7000S? It has had some good reviews, is flexible in placement and available in black or white. It is £50. over the top end of your budget though. As suggested the BK Gemini is a good choice for within budget.
Cambridge Audio cables are sold by Richer Sounds. Iirc Richer Sounds are giving a hdmi lead away with the purchase of the 751. Might be worth asking if you can swop for analogue cables.
Many years ago I used Castle Severn flooststanders with Arcam equipment. Sounded good to my ears. Now the brand has been resurrected by IAG they are available again. Haven't seen any reviews but some are sealed design and all are real wood. Just a curve ball to add to the mix.
Tell Sky what sort of deal you have been offered. I'm sure they will come back with something favourable. When I complained to them about my Thomson HD box lasting only 18 months and was thinking of leaving they provided a new one free of charge and installed a new dish as well. I have previous...