Heh, I look at not replacing the water pump several ways (if done by a commercial Mechanic):

A. He doesnt know hondas.

B. He likes money, and will just wait for you to come back.

C. He's a sadist and likes to do PITA work.

Water pump.. last one I paid to do on a 94 LX I had was 290.00 parts/labor if i remember right. I may have got shafted because I was out of town and HAD to get it fixed.

A water pump can last 10 miles or 200,000... same with the timing belt (past service life) ... its all a crapshoot. I wouldnt pay over 4000-4500 for an EX with no working A/C. Especially since I couldnt get more than 3600 out of my SUPER clean Florida LX Coupe in March... just my opinion. It's northern car... any rust starting in the usual areas?

I wouldnt worry about it too much, but if it is a big deal just replace the belt/water pump all in one swoop.. then you know you're good for a long time.