Thanks Terry, that's brilliant info, I could for now spray that connector with acf50 and cable tie a bit of old bicycle tube over it, that would keep the moisture out.
I was thinking of a more heavy-duty sealed connector instead of soldering but then again you don't really have to take it apart very often so soldering + shrink wrap might be the way to go. I have actually been looking at the FactoryPro shift star wondering if it's worth it. That and a quickshifter would spell fun at track days Cush drive rubbers will be replaced too. Forks have been serviced not that long ago so the bushings and seals are ok there, it's the soft springs I want to address. Front wheel bearings are also almost new.
A quick update. Since I among so many others prefer the looks of an RC36 8-spoke rear wheel AND was lucky enough to find one from Germany at non-ridiculous price tag, this is going to be a part of the project.