Apex, that's a nice place. I'm just a few miles south of you in Sanford.
Your accelerator pedal has a position sensor. This sensor is mechanically connected to the pedal and electrically connected to the ECM, a.k.a. electronic control module, a.k.a. the "computer". It runs all of the functions of the engine and yes, it is expensive. I presume that you know that the accelerator has no mechanical connection to the engine, everything is run via the ECM. I seriously doubt that the ECM is your problem as they are pretty durable. In all due honesty, your mechanic sounds like he may not be extremely familiar with the PowerStroke. Locals tell me that Capital Ford in Raleigh is about the only "local" place to proficiently troubleshoot the PowerStroke.
If I were you, I would give replacing the sensor a shot. It's fairly cheap if it does not work. If that does not do the trick for you, then a trip to Capital might be in order.
Good luck!