OH! I remember now after seeing a picture. The insulator on the pin is in fact what OPENS the switch. When the pins moves away. the two spring fingers make contact and THAT is what closes the switch.
Update: I've just also tried isopropyl alcohol. No difference. Then I tried Servisol switch cleaning lubricant. Still not making contact! It's as if there's an insulating layer between those leaves. This is just
weird.