I have done bunches of bunches of changes. So far, changing the needle (AGAIN) and adjusting tension and changing the type/brand of thread is "semi" helping. I have slowed down my stitches as well.
I did turn the needle a scant hair to the side as suggested, and that seems to help a little, too. Now I'm only shredding every 2 rows or so, instead of every few inches.
sunshine was right....it does shred much more quickly going right to left than up/down or left to right. Weird!