It is hard to recommend using too much VTF on any cartridge. Do you have an accurate tracking force gauge? Too much VTF may rob you of some of the finesse of the cartridge, high frequency extension and "air". That being said, Sumiko lists this MM cart's recommended VTF as 1.8 - 2.2. So you are not really that far off. No damage to your vinyl is likely at this force. Too bad the cover is not compatible with an appropriately set up cartridge/arm.
Cartridge Force - Is a Little 'Over-Force' Okay?
With kids getting older and not as 'grabby', I decided to dust off the Pro-Ject 1.2, and throw on a new cartridge (Sumiko Olympia), replacing the 25-year-old Oyster. After dialing-in the cartridge to its recommended 2.0 grams, I noticed the tonearm counterweight keeps the lid/dust cover from closing. With kids around, I'd really prefer to keep a lid on it. If I move the counterweight to a position where it doesn't interfere with the cover, it weighs-in at 2.7 grams.
My question is, does .7 grams, with this particular cartridge make a difference? Not just in sound quality (I couldn't hear the difference), but in the case of preserving the longevity of the vinyl.
Or is there a compatible counterweight that would add a few more grams of force? I was trying to justify a whole new rig, but this little guy still (seemingly) works just fine.