New LEGO lacking in clutch power? (Quality Control)

[LegendaryArticuno]

I never been so frustrated with a set, specifically the recent Spider-Man vs. Doc Ock Subway set. The problem (apart from the price) was that Spiderman kept popping off the train due to the slight tension from the webstrings and more importantly the lack of clutch power on this piece (https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=4304&idColor=86#T=S&C=86&O={"color":86,"cond":"N","rpp":"500","iconly":0}).

I got so frustrated I was thinking of doing a slight redesign, but thankfully i tried the simple solution first which was to use an older part. This solved all my problems, Spider-Man never pops off and I can even alter the webstrings into positions which creates even more tension!

So to me this is a massive QC problem, and over time older/used pieces that are identical will be more valuable than pieces from the newest sets due to better tolerances and QC. Another piece with really bad clutch power was this one as well and it's fairly new piece: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=65578&idColor=12#T=S&C=12&O={"color":12,"cond":"N","rpp":"500","iconly":0}

[AmperZand]

An easy way to improve a part’s clutch power is to coat its connection points (studs, anti-studs etc) with a thin layer of Humbrol satin cote. It’s invisible when dry, has the same lustre as LEGO’s ABS, feels the same, is very durable and doesn’t damage parts. The downside is that the idea of applying varnish to parts seems contrary to what LEGO is about.

[CastleRail]

I've not looked at the set at all but one thing jumps out at me - you used an older part which solved the issue. 4304 is a different part to the near identical older 99206 it replaced, that you probably substituted in. It is possible that the set was made to use one but for whatever reason the production used the other.

[Mylenium]

This shouldn't happen, but my first question still would be whether you have cross-checked this with another minifigure. From the instructions and marketing photos I gather that the Spiderman figure has dual molded legs. Perhaps it's an issue there? Otherwise I'm baffled. I have tons of these pieces, old and new, and never had any problems.

Mylenium