Honestly, I think some folks over-think LOP.
IMO If LOP is that critical then one best use only the same exact attire while hunting/shooting. LOP has never given me a problem out of many, many different firearms I have owned and/or shot in 55+ years.
The only reason why I even thought about it was due to the ongoing issue with this one ML. I thought that, considering I am laid up recovering from a recent hip replacement, it would be the easiest thing to begin with. I cannot get out and shoot. Heck, I'm basically under what I call house arrest. I'm not suppose to go out of the house.
With that said, just from the easy tests I have done right here in the house, it has become obvious that it is most likely the drop of the stock and/or the actual design itself that is the problem. I believe I have that one figured out but its going to take some actual test shooting to prove it. I have thought of ways to prove my suspicions on this.
As previously stated, my "want bumps" are itching big time for a SMR. But I will not consider one unless I can actually get one in my hands to test it. The last thing I want is to spend a bunch of money on a ML that I might have the same issue with as the one I'm dealing with now.