I noticed the problem when I re-adjusted the blad to make a 45 degree
cut. I couldn't turn the blade to full 45 without it hitting the
throat plate. That alone made me think something was off.

I have been measuring to a marked point on the blade using a stick
with a screw in the end clamped to the miter bar. Not the height of
accuracy I know, but accurate enough for the distance I'm seeing,
close enough?

DS