I hate to tell you this but I think this is trick photography at its best. The angle on these pictures is slightly different causing the illusion of a bigger gap. The majority of the pics I have seen have been pretty similar as far as the gap is concerned.
I would have to believe from a business stand point that they would think the replacement stop pin is worth trying before they even consider replacing the blade. I am not even sure that would ever be an option.
The statement above is mine and in no way represents the opinions or conclusions of RYP. I have to state this so I do not get voted off the island or run over by a truck.
Whitty
P.S. I never thought I would talk this much about a gap in this particular forum