The Advance Auto salesperson wrote a descriptive note to go along with the returned broken part. She emphasized the potential danger involved. I do not know to expect any reply. I am considering removing the "replacement-replacement" part and adding addition weld myself ... all I need is for this failure to happen when I've lent the vehicle to someone who would not know how to handle.
I'm sure you are correct ; some little village workshop probably put all these parts together for all the various brands.