Sticking stove top cover hinge problem

I have a stove top cover in my 2005 2720SL that does not like to go up and lock or unlock come down once up. Has anyone reinforced or replaced these hinges? I did go in and tighten the screws. The whole attachment of the top to the stove is very flimsy.

If there is a mod that worked out please post it for me.

If not:
What would the effect of simply removing the cover be? We don't use the area for food prep or anything else when the stove is not in use. It doesn't look like anything would touch the top of the stove and get dirty.

MY problem is with the cover that goes over the burner grills. The hinge tabs in the back are so wobbly that they do not want to go into place when opened or release to close. I have had the stove out and worked on all the parts but this seems to be a design flaw, not damage.