What's the bit sticking out on the bottom slightly to the right of the four buttons?

Not sticking out, indented in. Since the face and the handle are flush with each other, there is a "notch" which allows you to get your finger in there to pull out the handle.

Although in the Merc photo, it looks like some of the handle isn't actually black where the notch exposes it. That's what looks like it's "sticking out" to you. That could just be overexposure of the photograph, though.

Rob, more explanation?

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Tony Fabris