Finally resolved the tailgate problem. I was going to make an insurance claim but with a $500 deductible I decided to handle it myself. I also didn't want an "Accident Report" on the Carfax history. I got super lucky and found a local CL ad for a used tailgate that happened to be the same year, same color, an even had the inside LineX coated like mine. Talk about a lucky find...and only $300. It was a Chevy rather than GMC so today I'll change out the badges.
Anyway, it's back to normal, and I doubt if I ever will do that again!