I think it comes down to this... the fact that you’re this uneasy about the procedure with Dr. Diep says you should at least delay your procedure until you come to terms with what has you questioning it.
You have 3 main things to decide about Diep.
1) extraction pattern and size
2) implantation technique
3) possibly ethics
if you can come to terms with these 3 things, then go for it. He is a popular surgeon for a reason. he does put out many homeruns.
H&W on the other hand.. you will not need to worry about extraction pattern and sizes. H&W always put out the most pristine donors post-op. I think this would be well agreed upon on the forum. They have a great tech from what I’ve researched doing the extractions. I’ve never seen a “cornrow” type implantation with H&W.
Like others have said.. 1k in the grand scheme of things shouldn’t be the main factor here. I would suggest you think long and hard, but in either situation you go with, good luck
edit: for what it’s worth, I too had a consultation with Diep 2 years ago and was not very impressed with how it went. Albeit it was an online consultation