Did you find out if the home button still works without the rectangular gold contact?

Can anyone answer this question? The gold metal rectangle contact ripped off even horizontally with the rest of the home button cable. Do I need to order a whole new home button with cable? Or will I at least get functionality from the home button, only missing that little gold rectangle ?

I drive to their house to meet wearing my uniform, with appropriate paperwork to sign and give them my card, so they know not some random stranger is taking their device.

To beginners ESD safety is one of the biggest first steps I'd get set up. Your mat, your wrist band, the little finger condoms if you'd like. It might not seem like a big deal going into it, (what's a little static discharge I can't even feel), but it really is important. iFixit has a nice video at the bottom of the page where you add the mat to your cart. “No, ESD is not a venereal disease" lol…

Good luck! They also have a grounding unit that plugs into a standard wall outlet that you then connect your yellow cord to if you don't have any metal or grounded items around you.

Cheers.