The trouble is the way that the cluster is programmed it is meant to be fool proof , so as long as the cluster was programmed correctly from the factory then it can only be re programmed with correct updates , they follow a path and unfortunately it is in most cases a one way path and the IDS searches the chassis no from ecu and then searches the database at Ford for the updates for that chassis , if then it checks the calibration no that is in the cluster and it does not match to one that should be in that vehicle it comes up against a brick wall .

Ford where talking about bringing in a walk around to get around this issue , but I think they realised it would cost them in the way you have discovered , why make it so you can put any used unit in then programme it from a different vehicle when they could sell a new one ....... I know why you say you hate Ford dealers , I worked for one not that long ago and may well be going back there , but sometimes it aint the dealer but what ford instruct them they can and cannot do .

You may find someone can wipe the memory of you cluster but it will not be a Ford place .

Hope this helps.