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There is a practical reason the eye is low to the waterline. A low eye for a mooring line will keep the bow from digging in. When moored in waves, boats with a high bow eye tend to dip their bows down toward the water when the anchor line is taught and will ship water over the bow.

Many owners have loose bow eyes, given the age and use, it is not a big deal. There are DIY fixes on this site. That shop guy is a moron.

I would NOT change the location, but reinstall in the original location. If you still have the original eyes, just replace the threaded stainless steel rod.