OK...so I did some exploratory drilling. I put the unit on its side and did a few things: 1. I loosened the filter basket bracket and pushed it up hard while tightening it. I noticed the lever that contacts the carafe lip had excess plastic from molding so I sanded the front edge so the carafe would glide in problem free.
It worked! 2. I took the opportunity to clean and lube the lever and the carafe glides in now with zero resistance.
I think I may have nailed it down here.
Oh, and this AM, I brewed 7 scoops instead of 8...which is more in line with Moccamaster guidelines and a bit closer to SCA standards too. The coffee was excellent and it tasted no weaker. I've been wasting beans with that eighth scoop for almost a year now!
I don't mind. I'm good to go now!
