Resurrecting an ancient thread on an ancient problem.

The plate they're referring to is the angled deflector plate right behind the mode hole. It attaches directly to the playfield with three screws. You can completely remove this deflector, and then line the metal railing around the mode hole with foam to solve the bounce-out problem. This is the most effective "hack" for sticking that mode shot, at the cost of losing the sharp metal 'thunk' when you hit the plate.

There are other hacks, such as dropping the saucer, bending the plate, drilling the screw holes wider and shifting the plate back, and just adding foam to the plate - but as someone who has tried them all, nothing beats just removing the deflector completely.

There is also an upcoming replacement part being developed for the deflector, which will allow you to hit that shot and keep that satisfying sound. Check recent IJ owners club posts for updates.