anyone play bass guitar?

Bill Dedman said
...So, I am an equipment ignoramous and can't make a recommendation beyond the OEM parts.

Not at all. OEM is always a good choice. But, has you said, the OP stated "High End" replacement. The pieces that come in a Squire Bass are not "High End" That's why I recommended a Carvin piece. It's simply a matter of preference.

Sounds like there are a lot of knowledgeable people on here with abundant good advice. but I'm obviously not one of them...

Oh... I don't know. You're experience dates back even further than mine. I started in 1957. I think you've got some pretty good tech tricks up your very long sleeves. lol

I just wondered how you go about "wrecking" something as seemingly invulnerable as a female jack plug (receptacle)...

Well that's an experience that I can honestly say I've never had, (lol) either, but he's asking for a fix. Of course the easiest and most cost efficient way, and probably also the quickest way is to simple go down to your local music store and by a new jack, and install it your self, if you have the skill and tools.