I am a mech engineer so didn’t want to lose this battle. I tried adding washers under the rubber seals around the needles to press harder on the pod - no luck. On top of the base where the pod’s “feet” touch the base, I built up those areas with a few layers of masking tape - better but not perfect. Finally I took the red gasket out from under the pod top and voila - no dips bypassing the pod. Also, pull down the rubber seals around the needles about 1/8” ro ensure food contact with the pod if there is any dripping. I can’t believe how poorly designed the disposable pods are based on everyone’s complaints.