Sorry to hear. Mine went well. Laminated wood is plywood. Differences in wood used, thickness of the wood plies, direction of grain and mfg process make a lot of difference. Sounds like yours may have had a 'dry spot'.

I'd be tempted to apply some thinned epoxy resin to the stock where it was gouged. At least make sure it is sealed up before you use the bedding material with the pillars.