5.0 at the Shop - am I being Had?

Hard part of the whole job was removing stock H-pipe to stock header studs. PIA... once that is out, the top transmision bolts can be the next hardest, but after that everything else is piece of cake. Air tools help as well.

Personally I think the starter is the biggest PITA.

As far as the OP, 1600-1700 is a fair price for the work you're having done at a shop. Since you don't have much wrench time yourself, it's worth taking it to a shop instead of doing it wrong and costing you even more money and not have the warrenty.
 
I'd replace the PCV grommet, PCV valve, and screen (often called a breather) with new MOTORCRAFT pieces.

If the PCV system is backed up, the next least path of resistance with regard to crankcase pressure is often the RMS. You don't want to chance contaminating the new clutch components.

Good luck.