In Maria's picture of the pocket stop, there is no supporting hole in the U-shaped pocket stop bracket itself for the bolt that connects the lift arm to the shell, other than the aluminum skin itself.
Maria's picture of pocket stop:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_iZSRedBZ9n...Repair+023.jpg
When looking at the lift arm, it is clear that the lift arm would support the shell at the rubber bumper in the pocket stop.
Maria's picture of the lift arm in the upright position:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_iZSRedBZ9n...Repair+009.jpg
As the shell lowers, the lift arm will rotate counterclockwise until horizontal. In the horizontal position, I don't see any part of the lift arm that would support the shell at that rubber bumper in the pocket stop. I assume the weight of the shell would be taken by the inner walls at this point, but if the shell were forced closed with items packed too high in the TM, it could tear the aluminum skin.
I am concerned, though, that while raising the shell, the weight of the shell is supported by the skin of the wall itself. I believe that a large washer would just hide the problem, and it could get progressively worse of the years creating further alignment issues.
If I were to do anything, I think I'd have to remove the acorn nut and bolt, rivet a fresh piece of heavier guage aluminum to the side, drill a hole the correct size, then reassemble.
(Note, I would not use any form of steel here, as electrolytic action would degrade the aluminum.)
Thoughts? Am I overparanoid? (Wouldn't be a first for me)