Actually, for the story to work, I don't need to hide the number of Gruffs from the audience.
Aside from the plot, the title is the only thing linking my re-write to the original story. I would like to keep that one overt reference to the source material since I have now changed the beginning and the ending.
Thanks guys for all the input. It has helped me clinch my decision. Now all I have to do is write my cover letter and afix postage to the envelope...boy, this sure is getting nerve-wracking