Andy Taylor asked in the 000205 digest, "Is this workable plan for
a "borderline" piano?"  Your plug plan sounds like as much (or maybe
more) work as "doing it right" to me.

Initially, I would at least try "doping" it as you say.  I have had
reasonable results with Garfield Pin Block Restorer from Schaffs.  It
doesn't cost much, and doesn't take too much time.  If the pin block
is not cracked, I would give it a good chance that a treatment would
help.  I would put the piano on it's back, give it a treatment using
a syringe, wait a few weeks, then do it again.

If this doesn't work, you can still move on to the mechanical options,
either replacing the block or reaming out the holes and going to new
oversized pins.

Gary Rasmussen