alright, got the car back from the dealer tonight. I'm actually pretty happy, but not so sure i should be.
first, i didn't have to pay for the diagnostic. was happy about that. Fidelity handled all of the warranty cost, which was only $265, plus $75 towing fee, which was lower than i thought it would be.
second, i started a thread about tire roar coming from the car since last week, thought it was chopped tires, come to find out it was a failed wheel bearing! the tech test drove the car after they replaced the failed ignition coil and diagnosed it right away. they replaced it (right front) under Ford's power train warranty free of charge. whats strange is that the roar did not start until i got the tires rotated and balanced at the horrible Ford service center (they were brought out by a good dealer so i thought things may have changed). is that just a coincidence? i have my doubts, that dealer is officially incompetent in my eyes now! its the second time something like this has happened at that particular dealer!
so all in all, everything was done at this Lincoln dealer today for free, the engine is purring again and feels very strong, the ride is smooth as butter and its serenely quiet once more, and now the tire feel like they have better grip and handling. and i saved at least $766 for the new tires i was going to buy. thats all good, but having at least two somewhat significant problems (failed ignition coil and wheel bearing) this early on is giving me pause (at least a little bit). i definitely won't be doing any engine mods, that voids the extended warranty, for at least a while longer until i get a better feeling of how this car is going to hold up...