Is it possible to get an RPG book rebound into hardcover form, while preserving the actual cover? I'm willing to get it done commercially if it can be done.
Yes. I had my MSH (Advanced Marvel Superheroes) books done by this company:
http://www.librarybinding.com/
They even wouldn't rebind the book without my go ahead--because of the fact part of the index is on the cover. So they called me to verify what I wanted. True you need to fill out the forms properly, mail the slips in, but they will do it.
They were awesome. The cover I have is "plastic binding" and it preserved both the front and back cover intact. (Which for MSH is the "chart" you need to use for the game.)
It was not too expensive, all things considered. (40 odd bucks, but to be fair that's what I expected for the service.)
Hmm...one could do it one's self. If the glued binding is coming out (like it is in some of my bigger, older soft covers), you'd have to drill, stitch, and glue the binding, but I think it could work.
I've always liked this guy's instructions (http://www.csparks.com/Bookbinding/index.xhtml) on the topic.
!i!
Kismet!
I just now had the cover of a brand new game book (Rackham's Ragnarock) pop completely off in my hand... and was about to have a look for what options were available for getting it re-seated.
I doubt I'd wanna spend 40 bucks on something I spent less than 20 on... and don't really plan to ever play... but those instructions linked might come in handy.