I just thought about checking in to see how that EFI fuel filter worked out, but I see you've had other issues. Too bad about that intake. I agree with 68 TT on fixing that....that's an easy fix. It seems odd to me that you couldn't find anyone in your area to fix that for you. There are lots of fab/weld shops around here, of course not all of them know how to weld aluminum.
I hope your luck gets better.