when i pull the lever, my hatch does pop off the lock. then i just raise it manually to open. i don't need to simultaneously unlock and lift the thing, so it sounds as if you have a problem.

either the hatch struts are too weak (they do hold up the hatch though, right?), or something is wrong with your locking mechanism..

are you saying that if you don't simultaneously lift the hatch as you unlock it, it will stay in position and remain locked?