I think I now see what you are talking about.. Here is a pic of my lid and that strip of metal you talk about.
Mine just barely clears, but enough that I didn't even notice it when I installed it.
They must have drilled your handle holes "just off enough" to interfere with that bar, which I don't know what it's used for, other than maybe added structure for the lid??
I'll bet you can call them and get a new lid for your unit.. How long that will take is up to them, but yeah... That sucks for sure!
Mitch