I had to bend mine as well. I think it gets deformed over time. Having the balls not hit the left flipper would ruin the play of the game.
Quoted from dvandentop:anyone know how to make the ball shooter send the ball to left flipper more upon plunge? mine almost shoots sdtm
When I got mine it had two star posts just below where the ball guide runs out on the left. It's supposed to have a star post in the bottom hole and a skinny post in the top one. The rubber size is also critical.