I am the professional, they went to the 'genius bar' and they told them to buy a new computer and drive was unreadable. I got it done my way and the data was recovered. I was not 'puzzled'
also it's *their* data![]()
I think he meant "there" as in "that there data" (insert accent)

Your way may have worked, but it is not best practice. With a good clone, you could have transferred everything, applications settings and all. Comparing yourself to the genius bar is like comparing yourself to best buy. Instead, you should compare yourself with your peers.