I put a lot of money into updating my bike last year. I think it was worth the expense, but I had a good foundation to build on. I don't know enough about your bike to say whether fixing it or buying a new model from Trek/Specialized/whatever is the better option.
That prospecting club sounds fun. I wonder whether I can manage to join, too.
My frame is good but the forks are my concern. For now I will limp it along until I decide to fork out the money for the new one or this one gives up.
https://nwgoldprospectors.org/ $20/yr single, $30/family for yearly membership. I'm going to send in mine this week. They have an outing and claim tour May 15th for their next meeting.