replacing a head is not hard. i replaced 3 of mine and now they're all looking good.
be sure to prime lightly with cleaning solution before installing. just use a syringe to inject some solution into both intakes on the head. LIGHT PRESSURE.
Check all your options before swapping heads.
i'd have to agree, check your dampers. you can use your syringe to pull ink from the damper, listen closely for air leaks