I have had one for years. I knew June Tailor personally and helped her with new ideas. I made my own for taking to classes or to lay beside my sewing machine using a small 9 x 12 cutting board, a padded piece of heavy cotton and glued them together with Super Glue, it has never come apart.
If yours has a pleat in the top, complain and tell them you want a new one and see what happens. I wouldn't put up with a defective product.
Carol J.