Many have advised connecting the shield of the coax to the tower up near
the top.

Doesn't the connection to the antenna take care of that, assuming that the
shield connection at the antenna connector is grounded (some aren't, I
think that most are)?

Also, one is supposed to connect the coax shield to the tower again near
the bottom, where the coax leaves the tower.

What is the best way to do that without damaging the coax or leaving its
innards open to the elements?