My old art teacher swore by using a tiny bit of white acrylic paint to cover ink bleeds. I used to think that would look way worse than just leaving it, but I tried it on a ruined weekly spread last year and you honestly can't tell. It dries flat and you can even write over it if you're careful. That patch idea is smart though, I might try that next time my pens act up.

Honestly I felt the same until my last trip got hit with insane roaming fees.

Learned that the hard way with an old Model 12. Now I always check the tang area under the stock first.