Take a look on Reverb or eBay to see what sort of prices they are going for. Beware that on eBay, the asking price isn't always what they will sell for.
What about selling it and buying a nice gift for the donor, or explain to him that you aren't getting on with it and ask if he would mind you selling it. You could offer him all or some of the money minus any expenses.
It's hard for us to say how well you are doing without hearing you play. You might know all those chords but struggle to put them together. How do you feel you are doing? Do you play along with songs or backing tracks? Have you considered playing with other people?
What about the Mooer Triangle Buff? It's roughly in your price range new and within it used. If you are looking for a bluesy overdrive, i can recommend the Mooer Blues Crab. it's a great wee pedal.
I have the TE-62 and it was the same. The actin could maybe be a little lower, but it's perfectly playable as is. Some of the fret ends are a tiny bit sharp, but they don't affect the playability and I've felt worse.