Jim,

These pics are from the passenger side of an x77 car if they uploaded properly.

Thanks for those pics! It doesn't look like any sealer is visible on the fore/aft ends of the clip. Aside from potentially cracking the paint on my clip, I'm wondering why I can't just fold the top part of the clip over around the drip rail and call it a day?

It may be loose, if you fold it over to install. They should be formed enough that once you have the top in place, it will snap on the groove at the bottom. Try warming them to soften the paint and form them to the gutter better before install. I would use a healthy dab of sealer in the center to help hold them in place.