Mama Jen,
The service technician was correct about diagnosing the ignition switch as tempermental. But taking the key out, wiping it on your cloths (not linen, I hope), and trying again, is not how a Volvo is supposed to work.
Your key contains a security chip and the ignition switch reads this to know if you are the real owner. If it can't read the chip, your car won't turn on. This is a common failure in 2002, and should be corrected.
I don't understand. The dealer is not out any money if he replaces the part under warranty. Why should you have to wipe the key on a silk blouse? Tell that nice young man you want to see his supervisor and then tell the supervisor you don't know of any other automobile manufacturer that askes owners to wipe the car key on their clothes!

All convertable tops are now up for the season in Minnesota.

Klaus