Hi Jim,
You're the second person I know of who wasn't impressed with the manual. A guy on the Rutlands site said it looks like it was translated from Tiawanese into English by a Frenchman!
The manual I got with mine was pretty good, and had a special section explaining the gas strut position. Interestingly, mine was new stock just in the country (I waited ages for it from Rutlands) - I wonder if they've re-written it? I didn't find the chisel noise a problem - the bit was clear and cutting well, so I was happy.
The chisel lock thought is a good one. It's the one thing the machine lacks - but then at this price, who's complaining?
Steve