Just an update- after a very slow back and forth (due to the length for them to respond), the agreement was that they would send me a replacement regulator (to save shipping the whole thing back and forth). I'm comfortable working on it, so I'm happy with the strategy. I got a tracking number today, so hopefully it shouldn't be too much longer. Crossing my fingers that it clear up the issues. Bottom line, the interaction was pretty good when you actually get ahold of them or get a response. Its just stupidly delayed due to them not staffing the support well enough. I first reached out to them on 21 Dec, so about a week short of two months to get to this point (and a lot of aggravation trying to get a response).
If Air Venturi actually reads this forum - Stacey is nice and helpful (props to an overworked single point of failure), but you are failing her and us by not better manning your service department.