Nope your not the only one. I can clearly remember the day, several years ago, I went to dump a bucket full of debris over the embankment. Much to my dismay, well you get the picture. After calling myself a few choice names and checking for witness's that might need to be silenced. I grabbed a couple of chains and retrieved my bucket.
I like your idea of the bright green reminder that the latch's are still open. I might just have to copy it.