Interesting dilemma that you've got yourself there.
To be honest I don't know what the answer is , it's your choice. Many members love the chase for parts and the project nature of a build . It's hard to do a cost benefit analysis of buying something new or going on the modification journey.
To get anywhere near to where your old EL might of been you'll be needing hands a decent Crown guard. Possibly a crown and maybe a better date wheel and crystal as well the case back . Then put it together. So a quick guess would be 200$ on parts and the $200 to put it together. I don't know what DSN charges for a new version but you might want to consider that as an option thought the Analisti on here would dismiss that and tell you to get. Hopno for $2000