two rear hatch questions

[TheSecondChris]

What do you think may have caused the damage to this rear hatch carpet? I have no ideas. I'd usually guess either Sun or Water, but this big area of disintegration in the center is a total mystery to me.

My other question is - what is the function of the squarish metal loop in the center rear? The luggage cover hooks onto two places on the left and right side, so I can't figure out what this center piece is for.

[Spring44]

These cars had a vinyl bag to store the sunroof in when it was removed. When not needed for storage, it is rolled up lengthwise and attached to these three metal loops with straps attached to the sunroof bag.

As to the rear carpet damage, many things could have caused that. I have the same bare patch in my carpet and it was caused (I think) by carrying groceries back there. The juice from a package of meat leaked out and soaked up in the carpet and before long it was eaten up in that area. Enzymes eating on that all-woolcarpet or spillage of household cleaners caused it, I guess.