Hmm, well, those little bits also are part of what locks the sliders into the arch bores, removing them yourself would be problem if you don't replace them with the right, proprietery hardware. Did the whole thing fall apart on you?
It sounds like, because it holds air unridden, but looses air while riding, that there is damage to seal contact surface, versus the seals themselves. One thing-if there is damage or wear to the contact surfaces, it will eventually cause corresponding wear/damage to the seals.
My opinion is your fork needs further in-depth diagnosis and service, and probably from a specialist, that is if you are not likely to buy a new fork anytime soon. Let's face it, a good 29" fork like the Reba etc. is going to be a couple hundred dollars more than even the most comrehensive rebuild (or should be, depending on who does your service).
I see you are in Seattle, if you were closer to me, I would take a look at it, however, unless you want to pull it off and ship it (about $9-$12 each way, I could even have UPS pick it up), you will have to look around local. I know HippieTech is up there in Oregon, you might look them up.
Ed