How you are handling the money situation is golden - calm, and collected. Truthfully, you shouldn't agree to a $ amount until you DO know what your finances will look like and I think you're handling that in a respectable, mature manner which speaks volumes. Sometimes it feels like WAH says those things to push buttons and get a freak out moment to justify their decisions.
I like your MBR suggestion, and I think it's something I'll be taking inspiration from.
