PZ-10 (Z-10) exposure issues

I bought a PZ-10 a few months ago. It worked fine until I volunteered to photograph a fundraiser and used my flash (for about 4 rolls).

Now the auto exposure will not work. When in auto the 'P' in the viewfinder is always flashing. In manual the '+' is always on.
Pressing the hyper-manual button set the shutter speed to 1/1000th and the camera still thinks it's too light.

I've tried other batteries and different rolls of film (in case a DX coding issue)

I'm afraid I hurt the camera using the flash. It was a Statblitx 250BAZ.
I didn't think to confirm compatability before using it.
After the camera stopped working I found a users manual on the web.
In it I see the text "Use of Flash units made by other manufacturers may damage the circuitry of your camera"

Anyone experience this?
Is this serious?
Is it an expensive repair?
Is the camera worth it?

Thanks
John A.