I learn something new every day, "dispensation". I used to tell my students: "Everyone knows at least one thing you don't, so always listen to whoever is talking, even a homeless guy on the street. And remember, you know at least one thing most other people don't, it goes both ways".
As for Scurf, my welder suggested a metal plate, so I think it'll have a 6" wide x 19" long step that curves upward the last 3 or 4 inches at the front following the brace and then getting welded in.