How about a weeping conifer/juniper? It will cost an arm and a leg, and in this economy, I do not know if you have the means to afford it. If you are having a designer plan out the landscape, tell them what you feel and they can recommend something that will fit your budget. If they can't, I would try to get a second opinion. Or, you could go to a local arboretum or a reputable nursery for some options/advice. Good luck with what you decide. (I would keep the maple, as bboy said: "There are other small weeping trees available but none have the same amount of character." Amen to that!)

CPG, the Japanese forest grass (Hakone grass) is always high on my list for pairing with Japanese maples, too :-) I also lean heavily towards epimediums and heucheras as well. Low growing plants in gold tones are a great compliment for weeping red leafed JM's as is blue-toned foliage, often provided by hostas. The only codicil for companion plants is to avoid anything that will require frequent division as extraneous cultivation in the root area will not be appreciated by the maple and can lead to problems.

Impossible to see how much damage occurred with the snowpile still blocking the tree and the leaves still in place. As carefully as you can, remove the snow and gently comb out the remaining leaves. Then, cleanly cut back any torn limbs/stubs to the next growth point. You can then report back with clearer photos or make your own decision as to save or replace. If the tree is very misshapen or the damage severe, you might want to consider replacing. The tree will fill out some but probably not to the same attractiveness or fullness it had before the damage. Weeping laceleaf maples like yours are frequently prone to snow damage, leaves still in place or not. The dense, layered branching habits of these little trees is just very accommodating to accumulating pies of snow. In areas with heavy snowfalls, you will either need to prune to thin out the canopy or diligently remove the snow as it begins to accumulate to avoid the weight causing damage.

They're not *that* precious or rare. Go for it. Just watch a video or two about how to trim Japanese maples. Essence of the Tree has some that are good to watch. and if you do a google search you'll find articles that go in depth about these ideas: http://www.finegardening.com/sites/finegardening.com/files/images/image-collection/041105302_pruning_laceleaf_japanese_maple_xlg.jpg Basically, do it branch by branch, clip by clip. Don't shear. Redirect the growth of the branches by pruning near buds that will start the maple growing in the desired directions. Watch out for exposing too much of the branches/trunk to hot, direct sun, but don't be afraid to open it up a bit. Take it slowly, viewing it from many angles, and consider each branch cut carefully before going for it. You can't put them back. ;) Unless you really muck it up, it's like a haircut-- no matter how badly you do it, it'll grow back. Good luck!