Yes, best to just use RGN_Tool to make an RGN from a GCD. When you name an RGN use this convention XXXX01000xxx.RGN where 'XXXX' is the firmware's HWID and 'xxx' is the software version without the period. Any other naming forces the flash and if you use the wrong firmware that can be fatal. However, it seems like there's no problem with the firmware region of the flash chip so you probably don't need to re-flash it anyway.

The fact you need to squeeze it to have it boot up sounds like some physical damage, but not flash chip damage most likely tho'. Could be a dry joint or bad connection. Good luck.