Just my opinion, FD-PS and FR-PSR have been my go to blades for soft and thinner woods for a long time. Usually in #2 size. I have the tried the Pegas and they work fine but I find I use a size larger #3 where I would normally use a #2 FD. I also find they are a little more aggressive than the FD. Can't say I really like one over the other. They are the same but a little different.......
I don't really think it would be worth changing if you are happy with the FD blades.... But you may find differently.
@Eugene Downes, you could probably get a new Connecting Rod machined by a machinist for around the $995 at today's prices....!
What was the "Pedal Arm Lift"? I assume it was a mechanism to lift the arm, but what does it look like?
Or did you register the machine on line. Most machines I have come with a reg card or a place to go online and reg it. If you did, you should be able to prove date of purchase through their records.