Yeah, it's all a PITA. You could sand the chrome off in the area that it leaks.
(A note for general purposes, though I know the guys on this thread know it: be very careful if using power/air tools on chrome).
The idea to nicely paint (or powdercoat or anodize) the cast piece gets my vote. You cant beat the price either. With some work, you could get that piece lookin pretty smooth before color goes on.