Hobie makes a chip that is supposed to hold its place in the center of the cup. You have to drill a hole in the cup for it though. It's also more expensive.

I have also heard/read that you can drill a few small dimples in the mast cup and that the compression of the mast will force the teflon into the dimples securing it in place.

As for the step-link, I feel your pain. I often have to bend mine back to where I can get the pin through.