I think I responded to a similar post of yours on another forum...in any event the rubber hinges are not field servicable as you found out. When they go, the only fix is to replace the cover. If it's under warranty they will send you a brand new one. If it's out of warranty, as you found out, you are screwed. As you also have found out, BAK, Undercover, Extang, Gator, Rev/Realtruck Advantage, etc... are all part of Realtruck.
I picked up a Leer HFM650 and as soon as it cools off and I have 30 minutes I'm going to install it. Their design used four panels instead of 3 and they are lighter weight and easier to fold. They also don't use drain tubes, but instead use double seals to keep the water out. It's smartly put together. I had one on a previous vehicle and the only downside to it was the second of 4 panels doesn't come with a latch. In my case, it vibrated up and down at interstate speeds. Not sure if it's a design flaw or was just an installation or cover issue on that vehicle but I'm curious to see what happens. For what it's worth, Leer's CS is fine once you get to the right person.