Part A, Rack B, and the Star Wheel

I've had some requests to show closely what shape these 2 parts are in, as they may be a factor in my frustration with the pitmen hitting the floor and having to push the beater against the shafts in order to move to the next pick. Here is the rack in the down position, when the beater is back:

And here is the rack in the up position, when the beater is forward:

The rack B and the part A that presses it against the star wheel just right of it, and the star wheel itself, all look to me like they're in great shape. I do think the top star-wheel-side flare of the rack could be a little thicker, and that would allow the mechanism to move to the next pick more easily. But it really appears to have been cast the way it is, not worn down.

I tried taping a bit of cardstock to the rack there (above the opening), and it might have helped, but it's hard to tell. Something thicker would give a better indication, but I'm drawing a blank on what to try that will hold up to the strain. Maybe if I could find a piece of copper sheet from my printmaking or jewelry class days. Then I'd have to figure out how to hold it in place, too.

Or I could just beat the crap out of shaft 1 when I weave.