I, unfortunately, cannot answer your queries. However, is it possible there is something amiss in the set-up of your IMVE? On my IMVE I have few, if any, airballs (I cannot recall the last one) and I have not had any issues with the balls hitting the whips. For what it is worth, I have noticed that my IMVE Whiplash area and magnets are not very active.
I also would love to hear others views and possible solutions...