LOL, I think FReepers have more common sense than just about any other group. We could have ended this problem in days.
The electrical engineer types in the office suggested that they put plastic bushings on the flap and electrically insulate it from the surrounding frame - and they did. Connecting a car battery to the flap and frame, they set up their surprise. Sure enough, the next morning there were chunks of burned skin stuck to the mail slot. Problem solved.
:-)