I'm on my 3rd year with my St. Croix Hastings. I've burned 3 tons each of my first 2 years, and i'm on track to do the same this year. Lately this year, my flame has been a bit lazy and I've seen more soot and dark soot on the glass than normal. The first time this happened, I noticed that the burn plate was not in level when I cleaned it. I fixed that, and it was good, but now it seems I can't get that nice strong flame. I haven't done the leaf blower trick, but I'm wondering if there's anything else that can be causing this? I've played with rear damper and it's where it always is. If I close it anymore than it is, the flame instantly gets lazier. Could my rope gasket need to be replaced? When I clean the stove, I don't notice it being burned or anything significant. Any suggestions? Thanks.