I don't agree. For $150 you shouldn't have to pack anything with foil or rope. Weber just needs to make a better product before the put their name on it. All of their other equipment has high standards. Why should this be and acceptable.
The weber does not fit my performer very well and it was made for the performer. Bought it last year.
There is at least a 1/2" gap between the ring & kettle. I don't care for it much.
You could call Weber customer service 800-446-1071 and find out. You could also ask them to send you some. Just use it without the washers until they send them.
The amount of heat is from the amount of air that you allow to get to the fire. It only takes a small amount of air to make a low & slow fire. I take a piece of coat hanger wire to slip into the bottom vent slot and slide the one touch cleaning vent control untill it touches the wire. Now...