After replacing brake pad, pad retianer is sticking out. normal?

[laksjd84]

like the title says, on the front brake setup (both right/left), pad retainer is sticking out towards the wheel, almost hitting the wheel spokes.
was it always like this? or did I do something wrong while replacing my pads? I dont see the retainer on the rear setup.
I have hawk ceramic HP pads on now.

Also, I forgot to install shim nor shim covers on my front AND rear setup. been on new pads for about 1k miles without trouble. is it fine? or should I install them back on?
My incompetent *** friend threw them out..major FAIL..

thanks in advance!
front


rear

[GLuXuRy]

some no factory pads dont have the loop to put that lil piece of clip in .. my endless pads didnt .. i just cut it off .. im on my second set with no problems .. the shims are there just for noise .. if they are making noise then yes you need them .. if not, dont trip