Does anybody else get hairline cracks in their fondant when stacking?

I normally use dowels to support my tiers but recently decided to try to imitate an SPS type setup using Wilton hidden pillars and a separator plate.
When I pushed the assembly into the cake I got hairline cracks along the side of my tier.

With dowels I just plop one tier on top of the next with no ill effects but I can't seem to stack anything with dowels without it looking wonky from at least one angle.

Now before the SPS evangelists chime in...I didn't buy the real thing because it's not available where I am and shipping is prohibitive so I decided to experiment.

Anyone else experienced this using their preferred method of stacking? I'm thinking maybe I should insert the support system before the fondant has a chance to dry out perhaps???

Any thoughts?

Hi!! I always use the wilton hidden pillars and a separater plate! I can get sps but it's not at the supply store I like.. lol.. I find that if I mark my fondant then cut out a little circle where the pillar is going to go instead of just pushing it in that there is less damage..then after all the pillars are in I just pop on the plate.

Yep, mark the fondant, cut Xs to open up the fondant then press the legs in. But most important, do this BEFORE the fondant sets.