I like your approach.
Swap the coil stops between your games - I'm interested in the results.
Been puzzling over the same problem for a few weeks. Have adjusted the kicker, added washers to the mech., etc. but still get random hits on the crossover - or the ball loses momentum at the Lock kickout area.
Never even thought to check the coil stop!! Great idea.
Edit: I presume you're talking about the Auto-Fire Kicker - adjacent/parallel to the shooter lane?