[hypoxia]

The final solution was removing the micro switch and the arm that pushed on the microswitch.  I milled the assembly to provide a smooth surface, drilled a 5/8" hole and mounted a pushbutton switch.  All 9 bay door handles have been modified.  The pushbutton switches are Otto P3-31111W which are commercial rated and watertight to IP68S and IP69K specs.  It took about 1 hour per door  to remove, modify and reinstall the handle assembly.

The switch button is easily accessible and a momentary push unlatches the bay door latches.  The handle can be pulled for as long as desired without concern of burning out a latch motor.