Allright so I did a bit of work today, learned a few things:
- There's solid smudge in the exhaust VANOS solenoid (see attached picture, this was after spraying it with brake cleaner)
- The intake solenoid does not do anything; I accidentally drove while it was disconnected to it and it made no difference in my driving experience
- The mechanic has tightened the intake solenoid so hard that I can't get it loose
- Therefore, since I could get the exhaust loose, he did not inspect the exhaust solenoid like he promised me he'd do

Furthermore I made a video of a cold start; I personally can't hear any obvious rattles, just a very slight one. Do you hear anything off? Video link