I spoke with my mom about this over the weekend. She said the problem was originally reported at the 5,000 mile service and all they did was SELL her the mud flaps for it. They did not help. She has only a few months left on the factory warranty and wants it taken care of. This is not a normal wear and tear item, it is clearly a defect if it happened after 5,000 miles.
She has been in touch with the owner of the dealership (who is a family friend). He told her they will pay for 1/3, ford will pay for 1/3 but my mom would have to pay 1/3 the cost to repaint the rockers. She refused the deal and told him it is not satisfactory.