Yes, I think they are raised a bit, but that hasn't bothered me. The ruler doesn't wobble, and its lines aren't distorted. Maybe mine aren't as high as yours???
Glanced at your bio. I, too, live alone and love it. A friend of mine stopped by the other day and said, "Wow, this looks like a quilt factory in here!" I couldn't have been happier. It's messy, but I'm happy and look forward to getting up every morning.