back-up lamps switch problem...

The switch is just a open/closed 2 wire contact. Ground isn't a factor. The switches do wear out though. Pushing on the linkage to close the switch suggests that you might fudge the adjust a tad. Get more use from a worn switch, while you hunt a replacement at least.
your right I was thinking more of a bad ground in the wires as you trace them back to the lights, but then pushing hard on the lever wouldnt matter