The damper rod holder actually holds the cylinder-shaped cartridge in there that the bottom valve threads into, not the damper rod that extends up to the fork cap (which is free to spin 'round and 'round).
Works like a charm.
I'd get it (or hand the forks over to a guy with the stuff to git 'er done) before you $$$ the fork parts.
Also, I've seen guys get that bottom valve off with the forks fully assembled, using an air impact gun.