Almost impossible to open - Midwest Industries Arm Brace Side Folding

I have always been a fan of Midwest Industries high quality products until now. This brace is almost impossible to open once in the locked position (unfolded or straight). I have to push with a extreme amount of force to get it to slide up enough (to unlatch) to push into the folded position. I have tried high quality thin gun oil and repeated working (breaking) it in.
It is a lot of money for a item I would never operate unless the gun is unloaded. Do not close or fold unless the gun is unloaded. I have to push the barrel into the table or my leg when sitting to be able to get enough pressure to operate. I'm going to give it a little more time to lighten up the spring tension before contact Midwest for warranty help. Also the strap that comes with it has no direction or advice how to attach it to your gun and your arm. It says to attach to the oval shape hole butt their is 4 oval shape of different sizes. It is on the heavy side at over a pound when compared to other brands. It is rock solid and well built, just needs some refinements. It is plenty long for the KP9 with pic adapter.