Another good thing about these basses is the gold hardware. It will take no time at all to obtain that roadworn look. The body may take a little longer mind...
Keep doing originals. Invest in a home recording set-up? I was in exactly the same predicament. Playing covers fills me with dread and IMO you're basically saying you are done with creating new music or can't do it anymore. The thought of punters screaming Wonderwall or Mustang Sally... *shudder*
There are musos who still want to play originals. Just much harder to find the older you get.
A simple proposal will do the job:
Stop the unprofessional comments or I walk.
Speak to your other bandmates before speaking to the problem child. They may share a similar opinion.
It's amazing how many players believe that going from Thomastik flats to heavy gauge drop tuning rounds won't have much effect on the neck.
I find even switching brands, still the same gauge, will require a truss rod tweak.