Issue with Graphics Card Mounting

I have an MSI motherboard, and just switched from an rtx 3080 to a 9070 XT. The rest of the specs don't matter here.

When the 3080 was installed, I had no issues. The GPU was seated and screwed into the mounting holes. No issues.

When I got the 9070 XT, I immediately was having issues getting the system to boot. Nothing else was changed except for the GPU. After some troubleshooting, I found out that the system would boot ONLY if the GPU was not screwed in and was allowed to fully sag. If I supported the GPU in any way, or screwed it into the mounting screws, the system would fail to boot and the VGA debug light would be lit on the motherboard.

Note that the GPU does need to move a little bit in order for the screw hole to line up. But it doesn't make sense how a GPU holding post (a plastic rod that holds the GPU from the opposite end of the GPU) would also prevent the GPU from working. Even barely touching the GPU, that support would prevent it from booting.

Any attempts to try to get the GPU to boot while properly installed would fail. I have tried multiple ways to support the GPU including using only plastic to prevent any grounding issues.

The motherboard slot doesn't look damaged in any way. It doesn't look bent or pulled out.

Any ideas as to what I could try to get this thing to have some support? I don't move my PC much so it isn't any emergency, but I'd like it to be supported a little better to prevent any accidental damage in the future.