No question you did the 'right' thing as a consequence of your character and internal compass, guiding your choices towards the Golden Rule.
Another person could convincingly argue that not putting the money, time, and effort in that you did would also be the right decision, and they would not be wrong.
That person would not inspire goodwill around the community, the leadership to make something better for the benefit of all, or inspire the hope that we're all here to make each other's lives happier by taking care of one another.

A trusted leader makes the kind of decision that you made, and you pursued your objective despite the roadblocks of the stripped bolts, damaged teeth, and considerable expense of money and time.

May you inspire others by your actions.

Thoughts become actions.
Actions become habits.
Habits become character.
Heraclitus, Greek Philosopher