Save Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets

This router combination was quite inexpensive when I bought it approx 1.5 years ago (around $120). However, there are two major issues:
1) The plunge base is so stiff that I've given up using it. It slams in and out. So far, I have not been able to figure out how to make it work smoothly.
2) Even worse: The bit and collet have become permanently stuck in the router. I've done everything possible to remove it, short of directly hitting it with a hammer and likely damaging the router. I will continue using it till the bit wears out, and then take more extreme (and risky) measures. The collet/nut design does not work. The nut simply slips off, with only a little bit of torque, and the bit/collet stays on the router. Squeezing the bit between two pieces of wood, hammering a piece of wood onto it etc does not work (even though the bit was purposely not inserted all the way). Even grabbing the bottom of the bit with a wrench doesn't work. I even tried routing with the nut completely removed to see if the vibration would free the bit (dangerous, I know). No luck.
Next time I will spend the extra money to get something that works properly.Get more detail about Hitachi KM12VC 11 Amp 2-1/4-Horsepower Plunge and Fixed Base Variable Speed Router Kit with 1/4-Inch and 1/2-Inch Collets.