I am a little puzzled that a well recommended fitter would get you boots that were substantially too large. I guess everyone makes mistakes, but that seems pretty basic. Unless it was really Jackson's fault.
You said she was well recommended. Was that by hockey skaters, speed skaters, or figure skaters? It is quite possible for someone to be pretty good at fitting hockey or speed skates, but not have a very good understanding of figure skates. In the rest of this, I am going to assume she was well recommended by figure skaters.
My personal opinion and experience:
You can get by with a stiffer boot if the boot liner is plush enough. On the other hand, if it is bare leather, or the liner is too thin, it will be painful if you try to use too stiff a boot.
If the fitter really is willing to take back those broken down boots, and give you a better fit, that's great. She is essentially absorbing the whole cost of the boots, as she will be unable to do anything useful with them. OTOH, if she ordered you the wrong size (which could do everything bad you described), then she was at fault.
But I too would be tempted to ask for an upgrade, even if you have to pay a little extra, on both the boot (and make sure you get nice plush pile lining) - and my guess as to what she gave your for blades (based on the prices you were charged). A $60 or less pair of blades might be good enough for someone who is trying to learn basic strokes and maybe bunny hops, but aren't good enough for someone at your level. They will also probably rust fairly quickly, and need a lot of sharpenings because the steel isn't hard enough. Which will be good for the shop, but a nuisance and expense for you.
Sure, you will need to pay a bit extra for better boots and blades - maybe $200 - $300 total. But you will probably be happier in the long run, when they don't break down in a few months, and the blades can do what you want them to do.