Andrew:
Glad to hear you found the problem. I have used both Centerpoint and Leapers for a long time. I prefer the Leapers, it just seems easier to use, for me. I have actually had problems with both, but both were replaced without any problem.
The one thing I was thinking, is the two scopes you had mentioned are very different, there is a lot of differance between a 9 power and a 24 power. Now that your Marauder is shooting good, you might want to go with a little more power than a 9X.
If in the future you decide to start competing (and it is a blast), in say field target, hunter is allowed 12X, and PCP is unlimited. Going in with a 9X is giving up a lot.
Good luck on the exchange.
Bob