Odd backpack/ travelling question. Advice needed please.

Choices:

[]HTFU.
[]Or use a bit more padding on the strap on the side with the pin (hard padding to raise the strap on either side of the pin).
[]Wear the backpack correctly, where most of the weight is carried on your hips.
[]Have the pin removed sooner rather than later.

Thanks, i think i'll go with a combi of padding & proper set up. I am having the pin removed when i come back, it has to go since it's close to the shoulder joint, just didn't wanna have the op to remove it so close to when i leave.