I hate to say this, but you sure have had your share of problems. Those definitely don't sound very minor.
The thing with the oil filter, I only have 4k miles on mine, but got the filter (actually bought 2) and oil before winter came so we would have it when I decide to take the car out of storage. Now People are saying the same thing you have, that you need the entire housing and filter replaced. I wonder if you changing the oil 3 times the original way had anything to do with why you had to have the engine replaced?
I'm wondering if I should just chuck those other filters and dish out the mega bucks for the right one now so I don't have any problems, or chance changing it the 1st time with the old way?

Sorry about your problem Child...
Hope it's got all the bugs out and is maturing gracefully!!!