true. Where I worked the work order stub stated that if you did not get your bike within 30 days the shop was no longer responsible for it. Of course this clause was only necessary for those people who bright in POS bikes and didn't have enough money to pay for the work so they went to the used bike shop after 30 days. Of course we would call and make exceptions and hold the bike for an extra week or whatever if necessary. But in the summer when we were so jammed with work that we had to ask customers to book in and bring their bike back an abandoned POS was costing us money. In the OPs situation the mechanics should have known better. However, my old boss would see it as a junk old 10 speed frame taking up a valuable service spot and get ride of it after 30 days. I am not saying the OP shouldn't be upset. He had a verbal agreement and usually that is enough, especially if you have confidence in the manager, just making a point that his is a common practice for many bike shops.

I am very sorry to hear this story, that really sucks. My condolences.