Maybe I'm missing something here, but wouldn't you just need to adjust the tom angle and height to keep it from sitting on the bass? Did I miss something? Seriously. I'm not being cute or sarcastic. What is the issue?

it is only an issue if you are sloppy when you assemble or disassemble the kit. not locking toms correctly or not holding them tightly enough when breaking down.

Ahhh! Got it. When popping the toms on and off ... I like Kev's idea. If it's only for when you pop the toms on and off, the towel should do just fine. You won't be leaving it on there 'cause you've adjusted the angle and the height correctly. Seems like the towel should work just fine ... unless it's more than just when you pop the toms.

This is more of a problem with chrome since it scratches easliy, I picked up some 3M clear guard, works perfectly mission accomplished.