How to repair an IG liner leak at the skimmer interface and replace skimmer

I have a 7 yr old liner( in a 40 yr old pool) that is leaking at the liner to skimmer faceplate gasket (the pool framing is steel). In addition I have a cracked skimmer that requires replacement. I do not want to replace the liner. The 3.5" concrete deck will be cut away to access the skimmer area and most likely dirt base to dig up to remove and replace skimmer and new faceplate & gaskets. The new faceplate & skimmer match identically the old. My questions are twofold- (1) while the liner is quite pliable what risk do I run of the liner being torn during disassemble of faceplate and gasket and what could be done to patch it? ( I have had a couple of pool companies come and look at it and they say "no problem"-However in their wriiten bid they claim no responsibility if they tear the liner!! (I find this hard to take!!). (2)- What's your opinion that the liner leak may have rusted badly enough to require patch of the steel and would the liner need to be replace to make the fix?

Thanks for your help

Ralph