Modification to New Holland BR series duckbill

I bought a used BR780A that has had the slot for the net knife follower bearing modified. What is the deal on this? Good or bad? I assume it is to reduce the load on the actuator when the knife is being cocked.

 

First picture is the modified baler, second is of a BR780A that has not been modified.  Pictures are sideways but the difference is obvious.

Modification to New Holland BR series duckbill