Jim,Concerning the beater hitting vertically, I think instead of trying to bend it a new one etc, I will just enjoy this one for a few months and trade someone for the correct one for my kit then. Thanks for the idea though.
Just an idea. You may combine the two ideas as well.
You don't want the beater hitting much past vertical. A little is fine, but if it is swinging way over the top, it is a lot of wasted energy.