You make a good point and I may do exactly that. My chainplates aren't the traditional flat-stock type though. They're a solid 1" round stock that are threaded on the bottom (to go into an anchor in the hull liner) and terminate at the top (above deck) with fairly complex intersection of plates. I haven't priced what it would cost to fab new ones but I'm guessing it'll be pricey.

Your point is a good one though and it may be money better spent. This is EXACTLY where I need input from folks who know much more than me about such things.