If you are not too hung up on keeping things original you could always leave the Mantis ramp protectors installed swap out the 3D stand up target to a green oblong one like this:
http://www.pinballlife.com/index.php?p=product&id=326
I have the Mantis ramp protectors installed and my machine came with a 3D target on the left and oblong one on the right. The right one most definitely registers better and easier then the left. I have ordered the 3D stand up but have not gotten around to swapping it but just a thought. I am sure you can adjust the gap on the 3D target switch so that it is more sensitive to register light or fast ball hits.