Every cooker I have, every cooker I've had, guessing every cooker unknown in my future----+leaked. If they didn't they'd blow up.
Pellet, charcoal, ceramic, steel, barrel, offset all leak or leaked.
Most of my food comes out edible. The only thing I think would bother me if it leaked just enough to start dripping down the side. If you plan to remove stack often sealing it with foil, ceramic cooker gasket etc. If you plan to leave the stack on, a more permanent, or less temporary method. By the time the air/smoke/heat reach the point of concern I believe it's already worked it's magic and exiting. Food should be fine I believe. 1800 is a lot of money but still about 25% of several top name brands. BTW I paid $300 for my offset. The Bride says my food is acceptable.
Bottom line, don't dismantle the car because the license plate lamp burned out.