I've had no problem with the new drive locking hardware on my AI, but I have another question for you all:
Why are you waiting to put your drive in, until after launching (while on the water)? Except for my first AI launch (which was a fiasco!), I've always installed my drive before launching, whether at a beach or boat launch.
If I'm by myself, I install it while taking the hull off my truck, after the stern is on the ground.
If launching with others, we put the drive in by lifting the hull by the front aka supports (before mounting the aka/ama) one person on each side (also ALWAYS tethering the drive!)
When I launch at a sandy beach, I lift the full AI, by a front aka and walk it into the water. With the bungie hook, pulling one mirage pedal back, the fins are safely against the hull 1-2' above the sand.
When launching at a boat launch, I roll the AI into the water before removing the wheels (again with one mirage pedal pulled back by the bungee hook).
After not being able to correctly insert the drive on my first launch attempt (into some surf) I wouldn't think of launching without the drive in and at the ready!
Maybe not for everyone, but something to try.
Aloha,
Kayaking Bob