There was really good input here and I'm grateful to everyone who responded. In digesting the responses, I thought that the general sense was to go for a splurge, either in books or the Nook Color, rather than frittering my credit away slowly. This was in line with my own inclinations.
Since $40 of my credit isn't coming live until December 26, I decided that I'd wait until after Christmas, go to B&N and play with the Nook Color and see just how beguiled I was, and let that be the determining factor.
First to return that redundant Nook! A search of my purse came up with the receipt for $300 in gift cards and I had the defunct cards themselves (I had bought two Nooks with them), so I figured nothing lost in asking if I could return one of the $100 gift cards, assuming they were willing to reload the cards as paid for. I had no expectations of the partial card as I can't imagine stores are in the business of cashing out partially used gift cards and in any case, I preferred to keep it and the $10 in gift credit I'll get December $26. I had no great expectations, however. Stay with me, my torturous disquisition is almost at an end!
I explained the transaction to the cashier, she called over a manager, who said, "Suppose I just give you $149 in cash?" Done and dusted! Kudos to B&N for going above and beyond. Totally unexpected.
So no Nook Color in my immediate future and those pricey Agency books will continue to languish on my wishlist for the time being. However, I'll keep both in mind once the dust settles from my Christmas bills, especially since I'm so very pleased with the service I got.
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
