Funneling can happen from stickier pellets. As well as skeeter's mention of the longer pellets, are these pellets sticky? That issue is usually brand related more than batch related. I have that issue on a certain brand in my pellet stove. You have to fondle the sticky pellets and keep them happy, just like using the vibrator
Only time I had fires go out was when I had a dirty bbq. I clean mine before every use. Haven't had a problem since. I also add a beer box to the hopper to add more for those long overnight smokes
First time I read that it went.. I was thinking, I'm not sure how that helps, and is a strange place for your beer.