Well, I have an appointment on the 18th so I have some time to continue messing with it on my own until then. To that end, tonight I went out, screwed the adjusters all the way in and put a thin later of grease on the trunk weatherstrip seal across the bottom half of the seal (i.e. from one midpoint adjuster on the side of the body all the way around to the other and shut the lid. I was looking to see if the weatherstrip was making even contact all the way around (checking for a corresponding grease imprint on the lid when I opened it.
To my surprise, there are whole sections where the weatherstripping doesn't even appear to be contacting the lid and where it is contacting it is only a very thin (think toothpick width) everywhere except the lower passenger side corner (where it is about 1/8-1/4 inch wide)!
Now, I'm sure the weatherstrip isn't supposed to be crushed, but sheesh this seems crazy. So, if this is indeed not enough "crush" on the gasket, then it would seem my theory about the hatch alignment or striker/latch adjustment might be heading in the right direction.
I hate to ask but, I'd love if one of you could try the same thing. You don't have to slather it all over the lower half of the gasket like I did - maybe a few 2" spots here or there around the midpoint strikers and a couple of lower areas. If you get a solid witness mark that would at least tell me there is something wrong with my car. You could use something less greasy like dish soap. I know this is a lot to ask!
Thanks!