You can compress the bend more if you or a friend have the appropriate tools.
Since nobody has explicitly stated it: Yes, this is a problem.Is this a problem? If so, is it a rigging issue or does the control stick need to be bent or otherwise modified? I cut the straight top part as short as possible but with the grips on it can still touch the panel.
Mine hits.. I was OK with it. Just a tad short of the elevator stop in the tail of the plane. I am not seeing anybody saying it is OK.. Must I change.