Well, I bit the bullet and decided to replace the cracked root nose skin. Had to drill-out the lower side rivets. I was a bit skeptical about doing this and ruining the holes because sometimes the drill bit will wander once it hits the inner steel mandrel.
I found a punch of the correct size and used a hammer to push out the mandrel stub, leaving nothing but aluminum rivet body holding the parts together. This was easily drilled-out with no damaged holes.
Removed the skin and cleco'd to the remaining new skin (both wings are identical, so I still have to order a new skin...)
I just hope the new skin fits as well as the old one did prior to removal!