The first time I mounted a pair of race titaniums, I thought the screws were too short but was eventually able to get them to engage into the inserts. It can definitely be a little tricky to get the center plate fully compressed into the gasket the first time. Try really pushing down hard on the center plate while mounting it and see if you can get the screws to reach. Once one screw engages, the rest are much easier as the rubber gasket is now compressed. I have successfully mounted F2 race titaniums on several Doneks, so they should usually fit. I guess it is always possible that the inserts sit lower in your board than most other Doneks, but I would give mounting them another try. I definitely wouldn't ride without the gasket as it not only prevents the binding movement you are experiencing, but it also protects the board from damage.