So what exactly is the Nose or "front end assembly" if it is not the front bumper cover?

 

Odd question. The bumper could be the nose or the front bumper cover. Why do you ask?
The soft front end is technically called the front bumper fascia.

 

Because I had someone interested in my bumper cover, I looked on car part, searched under "nose (front end assemly) and was quoted $2,400. I told him it was his for $1000

I also had my mechanic tell me that was about how much I could get for the nose.

Then this guy comes back with a link to a bumper cover that is < $100 new.

 

You can get a new front fascia for less than $250 (can't remember exact price) from GMPartsdirect

 

the front nose assembly is everything in front of the radiator. Lighht bar, the bar for the bumper it'self the front fascia, i think it has that honeycomb like insert in it too.. I am sure i am forgetting something..