Congrats.

If he ate, then you did the right thing. Each snake is an individual with it's own set of rules especially where eating is concerned. Wait till he goes on a 3 to 6 month fast. That will drive you crazy.

My guess is now that he's taken a meal for you, you may find he'll take a rat next feeding just fine. Just make sure it is warm enough by either putting it in a ziploc bag and soaking it in warm water, or heat it up with a blow dryer. I usually leave them out till they are room temp first and then warm them as I described.

If you have to continue to put it in and leave it over night, what does it matter so long as he eats. The goal is to keep him fed and healthy. I wouldn't consider it a can of worms.