So the New Zealand agent replaced my pen and my glass platen, the first new platen he pulled out of the box was also lopsided and would not fit on the rod, this after he told me that he had never had this issue before, the next one was fine so I am happy now.
i have now done ten knives to break in my stones and have done my first commercial sharpening (a very old chipped and blunt leatherman), I took it from 200 grit up to .5 micron, got good results, the client was truly shocked with the result!
So I am happy, all issues resolved for me. Just surprised that wicked edge management has not chimed in, although I did not they read the comment, maybe what surprised me the most was that an email I sent to them went unanswered.
I do like the product and the result, just thought the customer service could be better.