SME record clamp causing convex playing surface

I have an SME Model 10 turntable. I recently noticed that by following the manual's recomended procedure for playing records, ie. placing the included washer under the record label, placing the LP on the platter and then screwing down the record clamp, the LP's surface becomes convex. The center of the LP is raised higher than its perimeter forcing the stylus to run uphill as the record plays. I confirmed this conditon with a bubble-level. I also presume this causes there to be a space between the underside of the LP and the platter surface, greatest in the center and decreasing until the vinyl meets the platter near the perimeter, which can't be good. Does this condition, presumably on all SME tables, cause problems with channel balance, pitch, record/stylus wear? It seems to me that the ideal playing surface would be completely flat. Has anyone else made this observation?