It took quite a long time to go a step further with my engine...
As you proposed, I had a shaft made to fit the small end properly. The result is quite ok as far as I can tell. The shaft fits smoothly into both small ends and all seems to be straight and parallel.
I will ask at the shop to change the small end bearings. They look not good. Maybe the guy at the shop can do some other checks to be sure...
still a lot of time left until next summer...
