'Don't deserve' isn't accurate on any level! We apologize we aren't on FC as often as you are. In reality I did respond...but closed my browser before posting yesterday.
We check our Reclaim Rods with a certified micrometer to ensure that our tolerance don't deviate. When they do, they get rejected. We are passionate about quality, as you can hopefully see in our products. We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified shop. We also have a division that makes titanium spinal implants so please know that quality is of the utmost for us.
What we can't guarantee is that the tubes in the Pax units are checked for consistency as regularly, or at all, or to the degree that we check our products. In general, its far harder to ensure consistency with extruded tubes compared to a metal rod that is machined while 'cold'. The tubes are extruded which involves lots of heat. Contraction and expansion as it cools is normal, and in the context of what Pax needs them to be...this doesn't matter. We notice this with Pax Ovens as well, which we assume are stamped into form. Our 3D Screens don't deviate...but I can show you countless examples of how the ovens (and tubes) deviate. You may see on the Pax thread or Reddit page how many people have stuck OEM screens, and this lack of quality control on Pax's part is why.
So yes. From tube to tube, the diameter will deviate. Its completely unavoidable on our end, and to ensure that our Reclaim Rods work for everyone, we have to take off a thousandth so nobody has issues. We feel a second pushing is better than it not fitting.
Everyone has different pull strengths. Every strain of herb is different. Some are dense. Some are fluffy. Grind levels vary so incredibly much. Chunks to dust. Some strains are super sticky and some are not. All these factors play a part on pull. Where the Vented Oven Lid shines is when used in conjunction with a water device, where you are able to dramatically increase the strength of the pull.
We try to create a variety of products for the Pax, so it can be tweaked to each persons personal style. Some don't need the Vented Oven Lid. Some can't live without it.
We'd love to hear any feedback about your experience with our products! We're constantly working to improve everything we make.