Marty, this may sound argumentative, but I'm not trying to be. We're all busy this time of the year, so I'm being lazy, and I'll admit it.
I understand the "fabrication" part, but in today's environment, I think that's loosened up a LOT. As an example, I'm currently building a Zenith Cruzer. Without thinking too hard, the only items I've had to "fabricate" were some corner reinforcements I cut from lengths of thin L-angle and pilot drilled. A FAR cry from my Sonex where I really did have to fabricate tail ribs etc from only bent stock. I don't know his/her kit, but *IF* it were something on a simple level of fabrication, I don't see an issue with re-fabricating things.
I spoke with several FAA reps over my years of E-AB involvement, and they consistently emphasized that it's not 51% of the total effort, it's 51% of the total number of *tasks*. You don't need to fabricate 51% of the ribs, f'rinstance, but you have to show you know *how* to fabricate a rib. As I said, I'm amazed at the ridiculously low level of fabrication I've had to do thus far. And other popular kits are the same way.
Again, I don't know the brand/model of the kit in question, so based on the unknowns, I see no problem with "re-fabricating" things. ;-) If difficult, though, I concur with your exp-exhibition approach.