WSOP pre registration

I am going over to Vegas on 27th June and will be playing various events at Caesars, Venetian, Binions etc. including event 54 at the WSOP ($1000 NLHE).

This event has 2 Day 1's and as I am taking the missus this time I need to play Day 1a as we have arranged show tickets for Bill Cosby on the day of Day1b.

I would normally just buy-in at the Rio registration desk a day or 2 before the event but in order to secure Day1a I decided I needed to pre-register. This event is the last $1000/$1500 event before the ME so I expect a large turnout.

So I went onto the WSOP website, found the form, filled it in and duly "wired" my money to them. I followed this up with a fax of the form and a receipt from my bank (as instructed).

The next Day I get this reply by email

Thank you for your interest in the 2010 World Series of Poker!

We received your pre-registration form and wire, $25.00 short of the $1,000.00 required for Event #54A. This may be a fee from an intermediary bank that your bank uses to get to the United States. Each institutions fees vary, so I cannot provide a fee schedule. Please check with your financial institution for intermediary fees. Please send the additional $25.00 to us via wire or cashier's check, and we will complete your entry.

I replied explaining that I had paid a $30 fee to my bank to make the wire transfer and this additional $25 must be from an intermediary bank. To send another $25 will cost me $80 ($25 + $30 fee +$25 fee) as the fees are irrespective of the amount sent.

I went on to ask if it would be possible to pay the extra $25 in cash on the 28 June at the registration desk? This would mean I have effectively paid a deposit of $975 in advance. I explained my reason for pre-registering was purely to secure a seat in Day 1a of the event and could they please confirm that I have a seat on the day of my choice.

I then get this reply:

Hi Stuart – Your wire came in through HSBC Bank and Bank of America did not charge any fees. I cannot complete your pre-registration and therefore reserve your seat until full payment is received. If you choose not to send additionally payment, your funds will be available at the Rio where you may buy-in to the event.

Not wanted to get into a long argument over $25 I try another option and ask if there any other alternative way to secure a seat in day 1A of the event? I have a friend visiting Vegas in the next few weeks, could I get her to pay the $25 in cash at the registration desk on my behalf?

I explained again that I would be happy to buy -in at the desk but I need Day1A not Day1B and my concern is Day1A will be sold out by the time I arrive.

then I get this:

Hi Stuart – The funds must come from the player, so your friend will not be able to pay the balance. I cannot hold a seat until full payment is received.

Can anyone suggest how I can resolve this? (note: not taking the wife to see Bill Cosby is not an option!)