My Progress suddenly wouldn't go lower than 2,5. No reason found. Went to buy the much nicer Parker Variant. Works better, has much better grip and no issues so far. Looks better too and i like the weight. Never a Progress again.I do not know. I'm mounting it correctly, i.e., the triangle on the baseplate is on the same side as the little nick in the top cap. And I use a dry towel on the little ivory knob to get a bit more traction. People here have told me that the Progress is like that: Not every razor out of their factory will close up at the same point.
It has never bothered me, plus I get great shaves with it.