Like you, when I first got by Morgan I had the same problem with the centre 'lift the dots'. (It was 15 years old at the time). All the others would worked but not the centre ones. i even nearly bent the Morgan door key out of shape trying to get it off. After a number operations it now had become like the rest. I find strong language helped.
My car has a much old style hood than yours, so I can not comment on the swivel pivots as I always attach the rear of my hood before raising the 'swivels'. As your hood is permanently attached I can not help you there.
