Have obtained another suspension link (in decent nick too, sleeves pristine, bearings seem pristine, no play anywhere). I was pricing up new bearings, however, the one bearing (17x24x26?) is seemingly a special size. So only a few places actually sell them!
Planning to leave mine on now until I get the chance to have another go at the front bolt, and failing getting it off, I'll just take the replacement to the garage to pop on for me. If I end up not needing it I'll pop it up for sale on here!