Tilt

@slow_nick If by my post, yes, it is a little difficult to explain. If the op doesn't get it I will try and post picture. Or......... if you are on about the rust issue then I will assume you cut holes in your rubbers, and not the door bottom, as both me and the op presumed you meant.???? this would have the similar effect as what I have done.

@blackspaven I've put plastic plugs in to keep a hole between the bottom seal and the door metal. Two pieces on each door. This allows any water that would have got trapped (I had same issue as you) to run through these gaps in the seal rather than building up and running over into the car foot well. I trapped the pieces of plastic between the door metal and the door card. Quite simple, just need to get them correct length so when the door is closed it pushes these pieces of plastic onto the inner seal creating the gap around it. Same as nick............ no issues with water since I have done this.

Bare metal and water........... not good, but I cannot see it being a big enough issue to worry about in the bottom of the door.

It is the one thing I like missing from my old Octavia................ too much unnecessary 'technology'. If I get stuck in traffic I can turn my ignition off, and I like to stay awake and paying attention, reading the road whilst driving. I find it helps..........

Welcome b...... I'm sure you will find some helpful guys on here for if / when you have any issues... Good luck with the car.

Not everyone is loaded... Some folk have to make compromises if possible where they can. Maybe the op needs to. Very hard times for some.

Terrible problem on the Octavia's..... I do think once you have completed the job and bled the brakes you will find that all will be ok (taking into account all the above suggestions of course, ie 'working' the piston a few times carefully though, and removing reservoir cap. I doubt you have warped anything Just a good clean off of everything and possibly a bit of filing, refit using Ceratec grease rather than copper grease, especially on the rubbers, bleed them and you should be fine... A G clamp is your friend for pushing piston back in...