Thanks again for your thoughtful reply...I'm pretty sure you just nailed the solution..Thinking it over more clearly I do place the ball further back (at least a ball) for slightly uphill and downhill shots...This is probably exactly why I haven't seen the pop up on the flat range...I'll also find out the best solution for me when the geometery is off and I tend to naturally put it back in the stance when I have a funky lie..
Also I like your rule about the reasonable divot length and will experiment with that as well through the bag..I might not even have to hit a shot to fix this problem now that I've seen the most likely solution..Maybe the best lesson ever for me! and I've been playing for over 30 years...Thanks..
Also, understanding golf methodologies and short game are my thing..If I can help you in any way just give me a jingle..