They have spent many times that so far and have gotten nowhere.
Why do you think we are saying get on with it? If by chance they cannot run a compression test correctly, they pulled the head and NOTHING is wrong who's tab is that on? At same point it seems they need goaded into doing SOMETHING conclusive.
Leak down tests can be done with zero compression.
Hmmmm, a leak down test consists of warming the engine up to the correct temp for the test, pressurizing the cylinder with a set amount of air, tracking the bleed out over time to compare to a spec. A leak down test on a no compression cylinder nets you ZERO set pressure over time to compare to a spec. Please explain HOW those results tell you ANYTHING more than a compression test?
What you are advocating is an air path test because the leakage route was missed on the compression test. Standard procedure with an initial ZERO reading means check the tool and do it again paying attention to where the air is leaking, if it is. It is pretty distinct with that volume and compression where the leakage is with ZERO compression.
If compression is off over the 10% mark THEN a leak down test can tell you more, but, ZERO compression means the engine comes apart. Period. One can pop a head off a lot faster than pulling the engine, and, pulling an engine minus a head is a lot easier if that is needed.
At what point are the symptoms conclusive enough to get on with the process? Rod out the side of the block? Water in the oil? Fuel instead of oil in the engine? C'mon, inject a little art into the process instead of rote going thru the steps.