It seems like a small point; but those are the ones that usually get me .

I want to move the shifters to the other side of the braze on (see pic). If I'm wrong, I know I can move it back...but I don't want to scratch the paint if I can keep from it. Or?...is there some trick to getting the shifter bracket over the frame without marring the paint or over stretching the bracket?

One more quick question....the rear dérailleur housing between the component and the braze on was a bare steel housing (pic). Does this serve a function as opposed to plastic cased housing?

Thanks for your help!