OP seems bound and determined to pursue their plans. They will keep asking why they can't just hand in the (perhaps no-longer-used) I-94 as they enter Canada and get 90 more days under the VWP. They've been quoted the regs. They ask their question, get the answer, ask again, get the same answer, etc. At this point all one can do is wish them luck and hope that they report back here what ended up happening (this info could be very useful to other travelers). They probably should have gotten a visa, but that's a moot point.
OP: good luck!