When I was running ideas through my head I was thinking about a plate between the rudder and the fuse. You're correct.... plenty of room to do that. really the reason I moved in the direction i did was being able to get hold of the parts easily and not having to order stuff and wait. I wanted it done NOW! But your idea is really a better solution that would be easier to fit and glue with the exact same resuts.
With the short amount of pin going into the bearing, it really shouldnt be a problem to remove the fin/rudder..... Now of course I'll show up at the hangar in the morning and wont be able to remove the darn thing! I'll let you know! If you go with your idea... let us know how you do it and how it works. Good luck.
Matt