My 01 EX exhaust manifold heat shield lower bolt was seized. Air hammer would not budge the bolt but did succeed in tearing the bracket, after which I was able to bend the aluminum heat shield forward, thinking I was stressing the heat shield, but actually bent the bracket tab as shown in these photos. The bracket is the same one that receives spring bolts for the exhaust pipe.


What should I do? The exhaust manifold is in otherwise perfect condition, no cracks anywhere. I had purchased a new heat shield and was hoping to spruce this car up to show level or close to it. Research reveals this ring is integral to the manifold, not sold as a separate part nor easily removable. It's the same bracket that the exhaust pipe spring bolts thread into. As I see it, my options are:
A) install the new heat shield but leave the lower bolt removed (will cause rattling and movement over time)
B) Bend the tab back into place and flux-weld the tear in the metal. There is still the issue of removing the seized bolt from the tab.
C) Essentially B, but tear the tab completely off, remove the bolt on the bench, and weld the tab back in place on the bracket.
D) Replace the exhaust manifold with a new one (no way I'm doing thi$$$).
E) Is there some aftermarket ring that would bolt on to the manifold if I cut the original one off?

What's the best way to go here?