Need exhaust system advice

[Dave C]

SJ wrote ...
"I'm tempted to take my exhaust to a welding guy and have him weld in a
stainless patch over the exhaust leak."

If you are able to patch it then I think this is your best option by far
given you are happy with it's performance so far.  The original exhaust is
extremely high quality and the hole is likely a localized problem at the low
point where condensation collected for the past 18 years.  Keep in mind that
the original exhaust is single piece... replacement OEM would be two piece
and no doubt quite expensive.  I don't know about using stainless as the
best patch material ... your weld shop would probably know what would work
best.
- -
Dave C.