i have not tried adjusting the metal bar at the pulpit yet. will check it out next time.
on Larry's 2520 with the Profish and 22 delta, to get it to self launch he makes sure the front roller is greased and otherwise rolls freely. he also brings the anchor in all the way so the chain is tight. this causes the anchor to rise up a bite. when he hits the out button the anchor drops and the momentum carries the anchor the rest of the way until it drops and deploys. not saying this is the best or right way to do it, but it is how Larry gets it to work on his boat.
for me, since i tie mine off after it is deployed, i go fwd and deploy mine manually by using my finger to lift the chain off the gypsy allowing the rode to freefall through my hands. when i recover, i go fwd and untie the line from the cleat and lay it back over the gypsy, then pop in the CB and hit the in button.