anyway im gonna try not to think about it until the weekend, but here are two optimistic viewpoints:

if they can chop the frame, then that means they probably could've chopped the lock (at least certain types of locks) correct?

also even if they made a clean cut through the frame, is the frame really that flexible so that it can shift and make a gap big enough in order for a thick bulky lock to slide through? perhaps i will take pictures this weekend while i am at it?

what do you guys think of what i just said? am i just ****ting myself and convincing myself not to feel that bad, or do i have some valid points? again, serial # is probably the best answer. but thanks guys for all the insight and advice.

and regarding taking the bike to a shop for repairs... i do all of that myself or i get friends to help, so not to advocate shady frames, but i dont even take my legit store-bought bike to shops

yes i am doing a good job of making myself feel better. hoping for some good news on the weekend