I've had what is in some ways a similar experience with an IDI engined Berlingo. Symptom was rough starting such as might occur if glow plugs are sub par. Garage did a great deal of investigation and drew a blank - they were just left scratching their heads. Fortunately I have a long relationship with them and wasn't charged for the time.
As in your case, it was forum that provided the answer. Engines of the family fitted to my car have the valve clearances set at the factory with shims. As the valves and seats wear, albeit only by a couple of hundred microns, the clearances close up until, on a cold engine, the exhaust valves are being held slightly open. Symptoms show at what are, at least for cars, high mileages - 150k plus.
My point is that it's probable that enthusiasts on forums have a greater collective knowledge of high mileage and esoteric but known faults than a garage mostlyy seeing cars at mid miles for serivice etc.
Still think you might get soething for goodwill from the garage though.
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