Have you ever had a client who just wouldn't listen about how bad that is? You were 100% right to say no, no question about it. I had someone last year who wanted a full bleach and a perm in the same week, and I had to shut it down hard. Their hair would have literally broken off, and then who gets blamed? Us, the stylists. It's not just about doing what they pay for, it's about protecting them from causing real damage. Did your client understand after you explained, or were they still mad?

Ever notice how a solid mount needs more than just a good bracket? I see you fixed the edge, but the whole tabletop needs to be sturdy too. A bracket on a weak surface just moves the wobble to a different spot. I learned that the hard way when my whole bench started leaning. Did you check if the table legs or the center of the top are just as solid?

Metal bead still wins for me because it won't get dinged up before the mud goes on. The extra bit of work to fit it right pays off with a tougher corner. Isn't a bent corner going to annoy you more than a little extra fitting time?