Its been nearly a year, same opinion you asked for still holds:. The transom is suspect, and numerous members commented as such. The transom will never be easier to replace then it is right now.
Delamination
Bottom Strike
Transom flex
Transom leak
All point in a direction you dont care to hear, doesnt mean its inaccurate.
For 100s of thousands topics pix and a short embedded video or 2 are plenty to help rebuild the posted boat. This topic shouldnt require anyone to download the clip.
No one knows you, no one wants ro download a clip to their computer to try and help guide you for free on their own time and get criticized and have that help disregarded.
The factory service manual is an invaluable asset worth the price. Clymer isnt.
Perhaps you & 1 shop are correct, but if its gotten wet, its likely to dry rot which is still rot whether transom is soft rotten and wet now or not.
And again, it will never be easier to replace then it is right now.
I'd rather replace it and know its good if only because it wont ever be easier
Good luck w your project.