Personally, on this knife, I think sending it to CRK is preferable. I don't think they'd have any issues with fixing it (they might charge for it), but assuming they do work on it, I'm certain they'd fix it right. They've earned their reputation for attention to detail. I think it's worth it, on a knife of this quality. Also consider the possibility that if you unsuccessfully attempt to fix it on your own with other-than-original parts, that might be a bigger problem later with CRK, if you do have to send it back to them in the end.
At the very least, I'd get in touch with them and ask what they can do. If they're willing to do it, it's a no-brainer to send it back, as I see it.