I've been comparing your pics with a brand new tensioner that I have here & can't really see much difference. It's pretty awkward to see behind the plate, but the meshing seems to look the same as in your pics.
So you're saying when you depress the blade, the pinion slips on the rack teeth? The pinion in this new one is really sloppy when weight is placed on the blade, but doesn't go out of timing with the rack.
Sorry if that's not much help

I've never been a fan of turning the stud with a screwdriver to back the tensioner off. I prefer to loosen the locknut & turn the engine backwards & let the chain do the work for me & then retighten the nut.