I can't believe I'm actually posting this, but here's the story...

Have a '99 F150 Lariat, in NY, so the truck cam equipped from the factory
with a front license plate frame.  Well, the wife pulled into the driveway
yesterday and I noticed the plate was hanging and bouncing a little, so I
took a look and saw one half of the mounting bracket was broken.  Aaaaah, no
problem...just get a new one from a local AID auto or such, but let me take
the broken one off before I lose the plate.  Well, upon crawling under with
a socket set ready to take the top brackets off, I am astounded to see the
plastic riveted right to the steel bumper!  Can't be - must be lack of
light - probably a torx head....got a little surface rust, right?  Wrong.
Anyway, am I wrong is asking why in God's name would they steel rivet the
plastic frame to the bumper?!?  This has to be something that breaks often
for people, so do I now have to drill out the rivets in the front bumper
just to change the frame?!  That said,  due to the design of the front of
the truck, I guess I have to get a replacement frame from Ford as well to
get it to mount right.  Sheesh.  Before I go drilling my truck, is this
right or was it really late on a Sunday and my brain was not in gear when I
looked at this?

Thanks

PS - hmmm, since my window sticker said "front license plate frame - N/C"
(no charge), what do you think my chances are of the dealer giving me a
another for free? (joke)