H16 Mast Step Hinge

I have an old and warn out mast step hinge that I need to replace. Looking at Murray's online catalog, I apparently have 2 options: The stock Hobie 14/16 mast step hinge and what looks to be an aftermarket "heavy duty" version (PN 01-3021 and 01-3021 respectively).

Does anyone have experience with both of these and can recommend one over the other?

My current hinge allows the ball on the mast base to align forward of the cup in the mast step, which is extremely annoying when raising the mast by myself. Do either of these hinges prevent this from happening? Have either the mast base or mast step been redesigned at any point such that they interact with the hinge differently to prevent this?

From the image of the stock Hobie hinge on Murray's site, it would appear that the lower link is now a bolt with a spacer. Has anyone experienced this becoming bent over time? My current hinge used a 3/16" 316 SS pin which was bent almost 20 degrees, and I would like to have a significantly stronger replacement.

Thanks.