[ALEX BERECZKY]

I...the steelership doesn't sell that actual plastic part, you need to replace the entire lock, for which I don't want to do, because to get to the mounting screws, you need to take off the rear light cover off, and don't want to break those tabs, then I'll have even more issues...

I feel your pain, as did the same thing on mine. Easiest thing to do is find a replacement lock on Ebay... It's very easy to install, just 4 screws, and nothing to break in the process.