Glad you got it Duke. By shutting it down if you're talking about snuffing out the left over charcoal let me know if you can. I tried to my self but never had much luck so I just try to judge close as I can how much I'll need for a cook. That's where the adjustable grate comes in handy , if I see I don't have enough I just roll it up a little higher.
As for the cost of new ones, they do seem high but they're not like those Master Forge units that you see at places like Lowes. You can mash the sides of those in because they're made with such thin metal. I believe the Hasty Bakes use the same gauge steel that Weber does. It's not porcelain coated but there is a good bit more of it and it has to be made to a little higher tolerances where the lid and fire door fit. Then you figure in the stainless shelf in front, the charcoal grate lift mechanism, old style metal wheels and other such and I could see it running more than a new Performer. Still can't justify how much more it is but I guess that's what the market can handle.