I agree that the 6D is an outstanding camera. The HDR issue with the 6D and other recent Canon bodies is annoying because of the jpg limitation. You would think they could have the HDR in raw but they don't -- not even for the 5DIII or the new70D. I got the 6D for my wife who is a good shooter and she is very happy with it. I love my 5DIII but the 6D would be my alternative to it in a full frame camera.

How do you know he was a professional. Speaking as a professional, that sort of behavior is unacceptable. If hired by the event planners,he should have had an official ID. And better attitude. When shooting a moving event such as runners, I find it very helpful and well worth the cost to hire an assistant who moves ahead of me and politely stakes out a spot for me as I move along with the runners. Then the assistant moves on to the next spot. Two way radios help. The whole idea is to get the shots without creating a problem. If there was a rope line, he should have been outside that line and not stealing your spot. Yes. Sometimes it becomes impossible not to get in someone's way but, when that happens, try to be polite and block their view only briefly.

Refurbished Canon bodies and lenses are like new only better. I always look for them as my first choice.

Well, that quote by Ms. Mayer says a lot -- mostly about her limited level of intelligence and the eagerness of people like her to steal what ever they can from all the folks with the shaky, soft focus camera phones. Her website is not known for paying which pretty much invalidates every thing that she says.

Faster lens for sure. The 24mm f2 is good. Depending on where you live, you should be able to rent a lens. Get at least 50% down payment up front. A contract is critical. Ask questions -- how many calendars, usage, size of images, who is printing them. $2000 is reasonable. If less, see what other work they will agree to have you do.