Wow, that’s a nice story.(OP)
I also had a “test” this past week. I was getting nauseaus and hungry as usual, and on the run out of my neighborhood, where there were no kosher yiddisher groceries. So I went into a convenience store and saw a brand name of chips, with a hecher but without the bishul.
I decided in this case, since I am legitamitely in need I should just buy them and ok so I will feel a bit guilty.
But in the end I am happy to say that I decided its not right and found salty nut snacks anyways which were ok in the next isle.
i was very grateful i didnt do it.