SME 20/2 Finger Lift Hum

If the SME V arm tube is anodised, then this explains why it doesn't hum when touched- anodising gives a non conducting surface.
The question here is what finger lift are you using. It would seem to me when you are touching the arm lift or cartridge bolts you are creating a ground loop.
If my theory is correct then finding an arm lift with a non conductive coating is the answer - and gets rid of the plastic problem. Another solution you might find more elegant would be to put some heat shrink on the arm lift - just the part you touch. You can get different colours including clear.
You could also try wearing rubber soled shoes or put a rubber mat in front of the tt to stand on to break the earth loop.

Lewm, not quite correct. Additional observations were
I was explaining to the gentleman why touching the SME armtube did not induce hum - anodising.
Provided additional options for insulation on the arm for aesthetics - get a painted one or use heatshrink rather than plastic.
Rubber shoes/mat I cant see anywhere - a bit off the wall, but I have seen this work.
I refrained from suggestions like removing his pacemaker or turning the cellphone off.
I have also seen hum issues or rf issues where there have been poor solder joints in the cable loom between the cartridge phono input sockets that whilst hum is not present, touching the arm induces it - not a ground loop issue, more of an antenna effect.

Rsnoceanview - good luck, I know how frustrating this can be.