Kevin, I have the black EX 16. I bought it in late 2015 and it looked like brand new then. It must be made around 2012-2014 or so. I am a bottom feeder also but don't have the issues of not positioning the blade all the way back in the top clamp. I always push the blade all the way back and the thumb screw does not miss it. May something is wrong with that top clamp.
Let us know how it goes.
Good luck
Sam