Nexstar pilot - file the new flat. It only needs to be a VERY shallow flat, just enough not to be round. Normally not that much bending stress on the flatted area because there is a support above and below it.

CGRetired - You need a new strut. Yours has been bent so many times now that the metal has been softened (annealed?) Drop a few pennies and get a new one. Upgrade to one of these if you want
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXH126&P=ML STRONG different sizes available.