There's a quick and dirty handbrake adjusting screw underneath the ashtray, the hubs is the place to do it properly though, since I had mine done (a year or so ago) the handbrake has been just fine.
If you're worried about the penny trick and damage, just replace metal pennies with rubber washers
If the struts are struggling to open the boot, after the initial pop and once you get it a good way open, watch out when the weather gets cold, the boot lid will either eat you or knock you out when it feels the chill