Usually they come with a hook to lift the grate, that looks like an indent to fit the tool in there to lift it to clean / get underneathe
Then it really would do no good. The issue is the condensation from heating/cooling and the moisture in the gas itself. So coating the outside is like peeing into a fan to get a shower
Sorry Larry: The OEM is two piece for sure. I assumed from my description of trying to open it up that was understood. I never did get it open though. I am not sure if the new one will be two piece, but I don't see how you could cast an iron object that is enclosed but hollow inside without doing it in two pieces. So it would make sense that it is held together by bolts like the OEM unless they just welded the two together.
The OEM is pretty thick and heavy. I assume it is the original factory burner, but who knows for sure. Would a guy expect the CI burner to last longer than a SS one?