I believe the latest version does come with a fibre washer instead of the Radial bearing.
As for the Stator cover, it really is not that difficult to modify your stator cover,
1. using mole grips straighten the crimps on the outer edge of the spring cup, this will allow the springs to come out, leaving an empty
cup.
2. using a angle grinder and metal cutting disc, cut around the cup as closely as you can to the stator cover, then using a metal grinding
disc grind away the remainder of the cup, and finish off with a flap disc.
You just have to be careful not to drop the stator or give any sharp blows, as the magnets on the inside can come off!!