I have owned numerous games with "nails" just like this. Not certain what their function is (i.e. keep the switched from going to far back, support the plastic from dipping/sagging down to the point that the ball could hit it and break it) but I know they're original. To your point they rub against the plastic causing damage to the plastic. I still have my BOPP that has nails in it and I tapped the nails down a little to avoid the plastic from rubbing on it.