It's easier than you think to put that spring back in, iirc. I recently did it, and I'm known as 'Mittens' in some circles. There is a set screw which secures the pin which holds the lever to the body. It's under the pin, I believe. Loosen the set screw, remove the pin, remove the lever, install the spring, and away you go.
And if you really want to throw them away, I'll happily take them off your hands.