I put a piece of duct tape on the area 5 years ago when mine was new, and another bit on the hinge bit by the clip.. lasted 5 years so far!
No nothing.
No Mods. No rockers. Just a chunky knob, thats now been replaced by an RS knob innit.
No tackiness.
Std as Ford intended, but with a space saver wheel and jack and nuts and wheel brace. oh.. and flaps, a man has got to have flaps.
Innit?