I know about Sir Sarles and all that but it seems the only option for upgrading the Mace of Disruption is to cheat the church out of it(i know about the fake ore Jerlia can give you) can you upgrade and cheat the churches with the fake at the same time?
Yes. Do not forget not to have the real Illithium in your inventory when you go to Sarles with the alloy. Otherwise, Sarles will ignore the alloy and take the Illithium - rrraughhh! Store the Illithium at a safe place or upgrage the mace first.