Darren,
It is most definitely toothed. Tried the squeezing of the slider, using soap and whatever other old wives tricks the wife could find on the internet or from the in-laws and my parents!!!
Ratcheting it down won't work as it is likely to be very dusty where we are going and therefore we will end up with dust all through the tent. Like all good plans, they only survive until the first contact, so we will just be flexible and get it fixed as soon as we can. No dramas just means a day or less on the road.
If this is the worst thing that happens on this trip then it is going to be a very enjoyable one.
Thanks for the quick replies guys.
Cheers
CB