middle g-a embouchure question

Hi. I've been playing tenor for about 3 weeks and I am having a little trouble with a certain range. Middle g-a. Pads are sealing ok, I feel I have to pull the mp out a bit to keep these notes from jumping down an octave, or with the g, skipping up a fifth also. My Rico Royal 2's are all getting warped at the edge after drying - Is there a trick to keeping them flat? Also does anyone use palm d alot in the middle reg instead of all six keys and octave? It sounds pretty well in tune, and keeps the tone from open C# on my King 615. thanks:?