Ok, Doneski
A fine but heavy nail punch, a hammer, and a filed off plier handle end was the trick to get the U-bolt out.
...& lot's of olive oil... Which I coated the inner sleeve in so hopefully no more seizing there for next time.
A lot of folk on another thread mentioned the sharp edges on the holes as being responsible for tearing the line, so I sanded them down then cut them as round as I could get them. definitely feels smoother. Time will tell. Any how the pin will come out. Bash the crap out of the punch on the ends of the u-bolt and get some lube in there and bash your lever in. It was too seized for screw drivers, it just bent them all! Once this things is apart the job is a sinch.