Cargo, for what it is worth, if you paid for a Matrix you got ripped off. The site in the pic is the Flatliner Extreme 5 pin and it is about $30,on average, cheaper than the Matrix. You know you have the Matrix because all of the Matrix have the brass dampners.

I have used a Flatliner for 2 seasons now, and have never had any problems with mine. Having said that, I have heard the same issues from other hunters that you detailed above. Good review.