looking at the slight bulge i had yesterday, this am it's pretty much gone. the plastic cover settled in quite a bit (6mm down from the fender cover ledge).
also after about 20 cycles opening/closing it seems the damper is broken in and it opens more consistently than before...meaning it's not an abrupt pop open to punch you in the chin.
im happy with it. im just going to leave it be for now.
thanks again ryan!