I just got yet another Trib JB2 myself (hoping this one sticks) for backup and string/tuning experiments. I actually like the pickups in the Trib JB2s better than those in the US JB2s (weird, I know) and will be adding the series option to this one. I will also be adding DiMarzio Model Js to it in the future because the adjustable pole pieces have become a must for me (and I like them pretty well in my US JB2). So I'm pro modifying a Trib JB2 although my personal prefs are passive so my cost doing it is less than yours since I don't need a preamp.
One thing to note if you do decide to swap in some different pickups is that the Trib JB2 has identical size pickups like an older MIM Fender J and not different size pickups like pretty much every other J-style bass in the world (including the US JB2).
I have a couple of nice basses that were family gifts for decade birthdays, and those are never getting sold - they are getting inherited. I have had a less expensive bass as a gift (a Hadean uke bass) that I ended up not liking and selling - so I guess I'd say whether to keep/sell based on the gift thing depends on how your wife would take it.
