I guess I'm just silly, but I think cleaning it and lubing it eliminates one possible problem right from the get go.
I agree, they don't need to be cleaned every time you shoot, but that one was dirty enough I'd clean it as part of troubleshooting.
He said it wasn't cleaned OR lubed, so maybe he just needs to lube it good. I guess if it worked for Pat Rogers, it'll work for him.
I would also not expect a action spring to be gone after one session and 400 rounds.

