Don't give up!
I've had work done on my car in the past which cost me a fortune and was absolutely hopeless (makes yours look like a show-piece!) I despaired because the car actually looked better before the work was done. In the end it was about how much I wanted the car. That was 22 years ago and I still have it and I'm pleased about that. Yes it took some sorting out, but it was a price worth paying (not money but just getting over my disappointment)
Don't rip off the panels, just get some plating done on the areas that were missed / still rust riddled. As long as the main panels were welded on straight, you're into cosmetic territory, not serious structural stuff. Make sure the seams are properly sealed too otherwise it won't last.
Get it sorted by someone who a) knows what they are doing and b) actually will care about the finished result as much as you will.
In the end, you'll have a solid car that you'll get lots of pleasure out of and other people will like looking at.
Keep your spirits up, it will be worth it in the end.