Shift lever damage

[cold-steel22]

I touched on this in my project update recently, but wanted to make sure I'm not missing something. After tearing my steering column down for rebuild, I discovered what appeared to be damage to the ball end of the manual shifter where it connects with the shift tube. See image below..
I am assuming that this is not what the end of the shifter is supposed to look like.. Somebody told me that the shifter was hardened steel, that it is round at the end like a ball joint, and that it does not deform.. However, as seen in the picture, it appears worn out. The shifter would bind and not pull back. PO's had also cracked the shift collar at some point.
I've searched locally, and cannot find a junked manual column. Carolina Classics did not have any, and they are not reproduced. Before I start a country-wide search, does anybody have a comparison photo of a shifter or can compare and verify that this one is toast? Any insight is appreciated.

[sargentrs]

Unfortunately, I sold my 3OTT column a few months back but I know that the lever should have a ball on the end of it. That one's considerably worn down.

[TNIceWolf]

Unfortunately, I sold my 3OTT column a few months back but I know that the lever should have a ball on the end of it. That one's considerably worn down.

Agreed.......all column shifts rely on a ball design socket. Its what gives then the flexibility they need to traverse the many shift options.