Yep, me too. I didn't get the stand all the way down once and dropped the bike. Only damage to my ego, thankfully.
I still have problems getting it down. I hit the center stand often, then end up looking down and making SURE I get on the side stand.
It is a bit of a problem, but I can cope. So far, anyway.
I like the non chrome extension idea, but probably would never bother with that farkle.