Wow, this is interesting. I've been fortunate and have had my Vagabond for a year now with no problems. I only have used it with the solo platform and shim, the wafer thin adapter, and the regular cutting pads. I've never added extra cardstock for shims since it all is pretty snug and when it's tight, I get the cut marks from my cutting pads embedded in my cardstock
It's good to know that Sizzix will replace it when there's a problem.