My service consultant at Classic Subaru came up with the solution. No mods required. Just open the liftgate and use a small rod, like a Phillips-head screwdriver, to close the latch as if it had been closed by the metal ring. The vehicle thinks the liftgate is closed and uses very little power. Only the security warning flashes on the panel with the doors closed.
To lower the lift gate, use the unlock and open button on the front panel or on the remote key. The gate seems a little confused about its position and only lowers a few degrees each time the button is pushed, but it gradually lowers and locks itself on the normal metal ring. Thereafter it operates normally.
I do like my Napier Sports Cove 61000 on my Outback.
