A new short block is around £1600 I believe. But it doesn't come with a head or any ancillaries though (oil pump, etc etc) and would still need stripping and checking really.
It would sort out rebore and pistons issue but probably not save all much money.
I have a spare standard (86mm bore) VVTi block and pistons with a knackered bottom end. Maybe John could make use of that somehow by fitting his crank into it. I'd be willing to donate it seeing as he's had so much bad luck.
I also have a spare VVTi head but wouldn't want to give that away. They're like rocking horse sh!t.