well after further research I think I will be using some points to pick up the ex...
the biggest reasons for my change of heart:
- the portals look relatively easy to remove and since less of the gun is missing than I originally thought will only require a small amount of sculpt / paint work
- I will find a use for the $20 ex that will look good in another display nowhere near this cable
- but most of all these two look fantastic together and it does appear the 21" is to the top of his head