Yamaha ox66 question

[SkunkBoat]

So I have the trim apart. Looking at the pistons of the port motor, they are pitted where they are normally exposed. Over the winter there was seepage to the point where they needed a little squirt of hydraulic fluid in order to raise all the way.
I believe the seepage is due to the motors being down all winter. In down position the pits are in the seal. During the season, the motors will be up most of the time (at the dock).

new pistons are $230 apiece.

So my questions for the motor heads;

Has anyone ever filled the pits with JBweld and sanded smooth?

Would I be better off just replacing seals and topping off fluid during the season.

Should I bite the $500 nut and get it over with. Mind you, I'm hoping to scrape together a repower next winter so I don't want to do more than necessary.