Could this be a result of a tail strike and a compromised structure in the area of the emer exit?

It's not a door. It's an option for a door that isn't installed. Basically a hole with a bolted on cover.

Airlines don't seem to be willing to pay for this.

As usual, you don't know what you are talking about.

So how many extra AS miles did the pax next to the hole get?

A MAX9 at 40,000 ft. You are a comedian.

SWA is unwilling to pay to retrain all of their pilots.

That argument worked before AQP. The DC-9, MD-88, and 717 all have the same type rating, yet I still had to take up lots of sim time to fly them. The extra 2 sim sessions are a pretty minor cost for an airline. Most airlines would rather pay more money for a plane that wasn't routinely getting grounded. Airlines buy 737 for 2 reasons, they are cheap and Airbus can't make enough A321s to fill the demand. And the only reason 737s are cheap is because everyone knows Boeing is hurting for orders.

Proudly all Boeing!!

Loyalty to a brand is so dumb. It's akin to those Calvin peeing on Chevy stickers.