It’s interesting you bring up pascal’s wager, because the first time was introduced to me it was basically a clear-cut example of a logical fallacy.

Probably because it is a clear cut example of a logical fallacy. The whole thing was an exercise in question begging via it’s unstated assumptions.

THEN, after calling them up and explaining the situation, they apologized and said they’d dismiss the charge–which they failed to do

That sounds about right. When I was in college I got a speeding ticket halfway in between the college town and the city my parents lived in. Couldn’t afford the fine due to being a poor college student, and called the court and asked if an extension was possible. They told me absolutely, how long do you need, and then I started saving up. Shortly before I had enough, I got a call from my Mom that she had received a letter saying there was a bench warrant for my arrest over the fine