In answer to your question on how you should proceed,
have the shaft faced with the intent of removing the pilot portion of the insert; just the brass protruding from the shaft.
If you examine the pilot section, you'll likely find that the brass insert of the shaft contacts NOTHING during fit-up.
If it contacts nothing now, it won't be missed.
As to affecting the 'hit' of the cue, lets think on this a sec.
The brass pilot contacts nothing now so how is it contributing TO the 'hit' ? It's not.
Again, it won't be missed.
Dale's post is in regards to 'quoting prices' on the forum. This isn't eBay or an auction site.
You want a price, talk to a CM privately.