at this point, if i were TS, and the pink stuff inside is within the acceptable level naman, i'd wait for until warranty expires, or i'd "force" it open earlier, if i need to add more pink stuff.
my guess is, the white tabs are hard and not easy to pull aside or cut. i think the black finger is softer and easier to pull aside or to cut. my favorite cutting tool in these instances, is the diagonal pliers.