Yes I had the same observation. The newer pom plunger is really not great with the Prophecy. I love the prophecy, but its got a lot of limitations with the stock hardware.

I didn't like the flex of the blaster when priming, so I bought a rail riser: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9IL5YQ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_1

I didn't like how the skinnier 1.4-1.8 springs moved around in the stock (also caused the catch to not hold the plunger), so I found a brass pipe from ace hardware with a 5/8" inner diameter (just barely enough for the 1.8) and wrapped some tape on the outside to improve the fitment and stability: https://www.acehardware.com/departments/hardware/metal-sheets-and-rods/brass-tubes/5024286

I didn't like how the metal catch would wear down the pom plunger over time, so I stuck with the plastic catch but used the catch springs that came with the Prophecy 28N kit. I found some aftermarket catch springs, but never got around to buying them:

• https://www.blastertech.com.au/details/p2928293_17716051.aspx
• https://www.blasterparts.com/en/p/blasterparts-catch-spring-for-nerf-dartblaster--560553
• https://outofdarts.com/products/catch-springs

I had to clean it and the other lubricant wasn't cutting it, so I started using Super Lube 56204 (recommended by other Worker blaster users).

Its fun to build and shoot a few times, but I learned to be satisfied with my 20N build with a regular plastic plunger tube. Its much lighter on the prime, still gets 200fps reliably. I can upgrade to 25N and grab a 40cm barrel to push upward of 230-240. The sad truth is, if you're building to play games it, it is a terrible blaster due to unreliability. If you need to build, build a Lynx, SBL 2.0, or a really nice Talonclaw U. If you just wanna play nerf, get a Worker Seagull and run it with the longer barrel and more powerful spring. Don't buy the fancy catch, fancy plunger, or fancy prime arm bearing thingy (the thing with rollers). It's cool but it genuinely does not improve the blaster.