I might be wrong on this, but there is a plastic piece that you can buy, or make that goes on top of that ramp and keeps the ball from flying up and hitting the switch bracket causing that damage.

There is an update from stern about it.

I made one from a piece of plastic packaging and it works great (figured I'd add it to the next parts order), I don't think I have seen any balls going up the ramp only to come back because it became an air ball going up the ramp.

http://www.sternpinball.com/upload/downloads/sb135.pdf

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/502-5012-00 (Out of stock) $3

and for the record... mine is broke too... but I was getting sick of the returned balls...

Awesome link! I didn't even think about the Free Parking Ramp shot... Cool