I always thought my Neutrik -> KM184 connection was pretty tight. Checked and I had the washers in there. Removed them, and the XLRs connect and click much easier. Great info!!!
Interesting to note that 1 Neutrik XLR connector is still pretty tight for each mic, wouldn't expect that kind of variation in the Neutriks...
Here are couple of pictures of the washer*. Comes right out. Under that there's no "white ring", just a black rubber looking labeled KM184 and the S/N at the base.
* pending figuring out how to post an image again...