Hiding gnome-panel handles
 

I have a gnome-panel...panel currently configured on the bottom of my screen. It's in non-expanded mode which leaves two handles on the ends, one on each end, for dragging it aroind. Is there anyway to hide these? Googling has returned little, other than a patch for gnome-panel, and patching source files for something like gnome-panel is WAY over my head.

Note: I saw the similar thread here, but that person didn't seem to find a solution (just letting you know I did search the forum, I'm not a complete newb)

No. There isn't, as you have already discovered.
You sound like you already have the buttons turned off, so that is the best you can do.