Since many people peel the photos from stolen passport back pages, most EU countries are now putting the photo page on the second to last page and fully sealing the laminate to protect the photo from being tampered.

You do run the risk with a dog eared photo of being detained until a passport check has been done if it is really in bad shape.

BTW: Tell the UKPA to shove off by telling them you were warned on your last entry to such and such place... I have noticed that the amount of hassle people have with the UKPA is much worse than dealing with a UK embassy for a renewal.