Very interesting to see the varying opinions on this.
One thing that is clear is the passion that everyone feels for collecting, which is great. There are always going to be differing opinions on what is termed restoration, and just how many replica bits can be added to an original item before the 'original item' is more replica than original.
I think in this case it is a point of interest to see just what remains of the cap in a percentage. At what point do you say restore or replace.....or indeed leave as is?? I am sure that consideration has been taken before anything has been done. From what I see, apart from the corroded caps the rest of the round is in nice shape. If there were 50% or more of the cap remaining then I would be reluctant to remove it, however in this case there is very little remaining, and I think if new caps were made they would be enhanced, however not for deception only display. I would also say it would always be worth keeping at least one of the best examples back to remain as is, just as an example of originality.
Of course, as always what anyone does will always conflict with someone elses opinion and at the end of the day, the owner is the one to decide for themselves. I am sure in our own ways our only aim is to preserve as much as we can the objects we own, however we go about it.
As another point, I have seen some fantastic sectioned items on this and other forums, that wouldnt have existed if someone hadnt taken the effort to cut into an 'original' piece. So would one consider this destruction of originality, as part of the original item is missing, or creation of something better for display?
Opinions will sometimes clash, but at the end of the day what shines through is the passion we all have for the preservation of these items, in whatever way we choose.
regards Kev