Compression Post Blues

Sailors,
I would like to discuss a possible mast compression problem with people who have been there, done that, and have the t-shirt.

I am looking at a Southern Cross 31 with lots of deck crazing, cracking around stanchions etc. A survey has turned up no concerns about deck or hull integrity. My concern is the apparent slight crushing or dishing of the cabin top in the area of the mast step. Also, there are parallel cracks in the fiberglass surface where the cabin top meets the deck in the area of the mast.

The survey did not determine a reason for the dishing. The surveyor looked but did not observe a compression post problem.

First, does deck dishing around the mast step indicate a serious problem?

If so, might hidden compression post problems exist that require disassembly for observation? What parts of mast removal and compression post disassembly require yard expertise and what can be done by a do-it-yourselfer? What $ values might be assigned to different repair scenarios?

Any light you can shed is greatly appreciated.

Jim Lavery