I would trust the alignment gauge -- mine is the same way, and I've checked it with three different gauges. The gauges all say it's right (though the screws in the slots are uneven) and that's good enough for me. Plus, the cartridge sounds excellent so who am I to argue with good results?
That is a good question though and if anyone knows exactly why this occurs, I'm all ears...
That is a good question though and if anyone knows exactly why this occurs, I'm all ears...