A body hood hinges WTF?!

Laying both hinges side by side I see no difference at all in the top part that bolts to the hood, but the next link down (the one with the spring on it) is bent slightly. I drilled off the rivet, and bolted it to my original top piece. I can't put the hood on to try it because I'm working alone, but I did notice that the hinge assembly rocks side to side on the body pins. How much movement in this area is considered normal?

Is there any other ways to attach the hinge to the car besides the crappy push fasteners?

Thanks for the help guys.

George