I have a new model and I had the same problem with sticking FP. I did not have much issue with it sticking to the post.
However, I was having trouble with the bowl locking to FP (several times and one time seriously stuck for about 15 mins). I attribute this to improper placement by me on to the bowl. The FP is angled, and forcing it at an angle can cause it to get lodged in the bowl at an angle. This combined with heat expansion can cause a stiff lock between the two. Best is to cool both parts, grab the bowl, start the coil, and pull out as coil heats (carefully).
After practicing placing the bowl while cool several times, I am not having much issue with sticking anymore. Once you get the movement down on and off, then go back to heating. Also, make sure the inside of your FP and inside of the bowl are free of reclaim, etc.
I did have problems with:
- Locking bowl and FP
- loose bowl handle (and subsequent post dropping)
- loose carb cap handle
- loose nut/coil connection
All have seemed to be due to new user error (or simply need a lil gunk to keep em from unscrewing).
Hope this helps...Piece be with you