Went down to Bay Ridge bikes, they had it straightened out in 10 mins - woot! Well worth the hour trip there and hour back. All's that's left is to get another derailer and reinstall the chain. Huge relief off my mind though I'm not sold that the rim's OK - will post pics later on in the mechanical forum to get some opinions.
Thanks all!
Those dudes really know what they're doing. Glad to hear it went well!