Guys, no matter what you do with the front or back of the seal, you have to assume that moisture is going to get in behind that rubber. Leaving the rubber off completely or removing the rubber everytime you wash the car does not seem practical to me.

I think the answer is to protect the area where the rust tends to start, between the door and the welded rail. If that was all one piece, likely there would not be any rust problem at all but since it is a spot welded piece, this area needs all the attention. You need to seal/silicone/caulk, whatever between the welded strip and the door.

I will let you know the results of my 'fix' in the spring.