I would run this as:
Finding an opportunity
If they're not sure what to do, they may find an opportunity at a town location that offers such leads. Doing so costs 1 scratch, representing something in trade to someone for the tip. (Issue 1, page 17)
If they aren't satisfied with the answer they get from the boss smith, maybe there's an action roll to press him for more information. Or maybe there's an adventure in getting him something he wants in exchange.
You're right about the 'time passes' trade off. I think the appropriate tradeoff is a 1 scratch cost to bring the boss smith to the table.