Fellow Stagg EKG Kettles, all are not created equal! Anyone else have these issues?

You should definitely get it from a reliable retail source which would give you a warranty and allow you to return or exchange your kettle if you have issues with it. I think there's potentially some quality control issues but I believe most of these kettles should be good!
I think the power button issue is semi-common from what I've heard. Comment and let me know if yours has the same date code and also has one of these issues!
I also found the FEEL of the power button and making adjustments is nicer on the bases that actually work, so I think they cheaped out on the part for a period and corrected that issue afterwards.
My other issue I think is more unique / rare.