I do not think I have even the beginning of any understanding of what the "damage" may be. Chipping of some, or all of the Dec 18 sharp edge or one of Dec 19's beveled edges? Scuffing of some portions of Area A.? Probably something else altogether. Good, clear, close up Pictures would be so much better than words will ever be.
The rubbing/sliding materials could play a big role in "Damage." Some Stainless steel on Stainless Steel combos are VERY prone to destructive galling if the contact stress exceeds a few ksi.
I figure during assembly, Just before the cantilever snaps home, area A will be tipped relative to whatever the opposing surface is. So considering the entire Area A being instantaneously involved in anything connected with assembly is definitely NOT conservative. Maybe 100 X NOT conservative. Pictures of the damage of several samples would be REQUIRED to understand this
How are the several details of the interface of the mating snap interface holding up? Any chamfers, or lack of them, on the edge of the mating snap interface.