Thank you!

So basically this toy comes with misassembled hips. Your leg configuration also helps a lot, and I noticed that it actually locks into place that way too, whereas the official (i.e. according to the instructions and stock images) configuration doesn't. So this may be another "authorial intent" feature that was glossed over in the instructions and official photography.

P.S.: I trust you won't mind if I share your QC fix link with others?