This is your Egg on crack!

Have you ever done something you regret later?  That's how I feel after I started futzing with this base replacement.  I never should have touched it.  Yes it was cracked but it was still working.  Just felt like I shouldn't risk it cracking all the way during a cook and burning the house down, so I took the steps to get a replacement, and now this.  The bands and hinge seem weakened now after the base replacement.  Doing a simple cook throws everything out of whack.  I guess I now just have to bite the bullet and replace the bands and hinge.  I called out for help from Bruce at the Mothership, but his reply was that the bands have a 5 year warranty, and I am north of 6 years, so he can't help. I should have just left well enough alone.