OK, maybe I am missing something, but why a gate cannot be fixed with
a stick welder?

I fixed a scrap truck gate (rear door) with a stick welder and the
result was quite acceptable. Looked good (7018) and is still holding
up fine.

The other door was repaired with a cheap MIG welder (not by me) and
actually failed utterly and looked like a goat pooped on the weld
area.

i