My local hardware store actually had a good selection of smoking woods (apple, maple, cherry). It's a TrueValue hardware store in Millwood, NY (Westchester County).
I think Weber's instructions say to check for bugs/etc in the tubes. Just because it's new doesn't mean there isn't manufacturing debris or bugs in there...
I noticed you used the Smokey Joe Platinum. Do you think this would work with the Silver. I'm trying to figure out if having the vent on the bottom cause problems because of ash buildup affecting airflow?