Closing the tape carriage UPDATE!
 

I seem to have figured out what was preventing my outer lid from closing when I instert a tape. It seems the lid has to be COMPLETELY OPENED, apparently to reset the latching mechanism or something. My lid was hitting the grip strap and not opening entirely, and when i tried to re-close the lid it would take 20-30 tries. I re-adjusted the strap so the lid opens completely and now it closes on the first try!!!!

Have a look at audio Technica technica lapel mics there a little over the price your looking for.

Your VX2000 sounds like its got problems, mine closes fine by pushing the central mechanism in the middle and then the outer door on the button. Take it back to your dealer they should be obligated to sort it, if you'd had it for less than a year.

for the microphone, I like the little Sony setup. UHF, small, fairly good. I've used one in New York City's Javits Center for an MC microphone setup with no problems.

About $150. Mine is the WCS-990 but I think they've replaced it with the WCS-999.