Received the following communication today after reaching out to KotakLabs. They responded in about 12 hours, which makes sense to me with the time difference (its the same average turnaround I get with my odesk contractors in the same area).
I do have to say that I have seen some measurable improvements to the website over the past few days.
I'm impressed that you took the chance; PayPal at least gives you a bit of confidence that might can get your money back if things go pear-shaped. Good luck for your future mining!