Hangar Rat thanks for your reply. Your approach to the fix is a very good idea. I am not sure if the struts on this plane are functional. H9 says they are but if they were it would seem to me they would have used your approach to the strut set up. We have another member in our club who sometimes flies his T'craft without them but it takes away from its appearance.
My approach to the repair, as you say, will break away on a hard landing or gear wipeout which is what I would want to happen.
The metal used in these struts is brittle so it is only a matter of time before they break.
Thanks again.