+1 for graduating the top slide, so that you never have to be concerned about this again.
May I suggest:
1) Remove the Top Slide.
2) Make a Fiduciary (datum) mark on the centreline of the spindle about which the Top Slide pivots.
3) Using a protractor (or whatever more accurate means you have available, such as digital angle gauge, sine bar, rotary table, dividing head, etc) scribe graduations on the Top Slide.
4) Reassemble, no longer have the problem, and have a Happy Christmas.
Howard