Yup on both accounts.

Bolt is removed.

I am first trying my bolt, washer, and nut remover idea. I am hoping I cleaned it out good enough for the JB weld to hold. There are what appears to be groves inside that ferrule from what I can tell. Thanks for the info / ideas. I am thinking this is something which can be removed without taking the thing apart. We'll see.

As for the aluminum dogear, I was thinking of getting a replacement and JB welding it into place. I like the metal bracket idea. I would remove the part and weld it. The metal bracket did not even cross my mind.