Wow, sorry to hear the PCB has the same issue.
And to think how many hours I spent assuming it was somehow my layouts...ouch.
Based on your findings, I'm going to dig out my pevious layouts (hope I still have them) and add that ROG inspired mod.
FWIW I agree the pedal sounds great without the charge pump, but I like the idea of the added headroom....we'll see.
1978 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Cherry Sunburst