Originally Posted by
TallRider
I'd recommend against removing the headset cup from the frame.....
+1, I didn't emphasize this enough in my first post. The process of removal and replacement may precipitate exactly what you're trying to avoid. Regardless of the cause or nature of this crack, or whether or not it will propagate, the repair will be the same now or later. So there's no benefit in exploring the situation, and you might as well ride the bike until the crack causes the upper cup to be loose (if it ever does).