Dwight, thanks for the referral, I'll head down there on the weekend (if they are open). Maybe I'll take the piano with me to see if anyone is interested.
I have played around with an Arreite for over a year now. It is cheap and hence no big loss if you try to repair it youself. I have been inside mine so many times I am thinking of installing a zipper.
Hohner will repair them but I would think the money is best put towards a better accordion.
I can not imagine trying to learn the timing required to get the push-pull sound from a piano accordion, plus the reeds and tuning would not sound right.
As mentioned on the board, if you are intent on the cajun sound you need an LA box. If you just want to play music, some of which is cajun style, then there are more options. U-tube has many great examples of various button accordions and players.
Also keep in mind that your 5 year old will not be any more impressed with Daddy's high end box then he was with the Arriete.