My 2005 Roadster has done the same thing and worse, for some time. Yes, those bands (yours and mine) are shot and they make a huge difference in operation of the top.
Mine will get replaced when I replace the top..........which was supposed to be two years ago but, that project keeps getting pushed back due to time considerations. And, because I'm lazy.
My motivation in not just having a convertible shop do it is:
1) It's ridiculously expensive (I was quoted $2,000!).
2) I don't have a good reason to trust any particular shop to do the job and do it well.
3) It's a lot of work finding a decent shop one can trust. They all claim to be "the best". And, I've so often been disappointed. And,
4) I'm a picky **** which is why I usually end up doing things myself. And I then have only myself to blame. ;-)
Now, a question for you and anyone else reading here:
What's with the audio controls on the steering wheel? Was that available on the 2006 but not the 2005?
My Grand Touring, 6 speed Roadster requires two hands and two feet to drive at all times. I have to take my eyes off the road to see the head unit. And, even then, it sometimes is difficult to read the display and operate the controls. I would love to have at least a volume control on the steering wheel as I do on my other daily driver.
Tom Harais
Vallejo, CA
2005 Roadster, Grand Touring.