My timing belt was misaligned, hanging over the edge of the cam gear, which was causing the belt to wear prematurely.

The guy in this video had the same problem. I don't have any photos available but this shows the problem I had. https://youtu.be/XnPuq5Ct0z4 see at about 2:00 and that is what my belt looked like https://youtu.be/XnPuq5Ct0z4?t=2m The way he solved it wasn't what I did. (he used shims, as he had a problem even after using a new mechanical tensioner)

I just replaced the bracket that holds the tensioner arm and pulley, and that did the trick. Belt actually moved to the other side of the cam gear.

I'm not certain if the old bracket/tensioner arm was worn out (someone at the shootout mentioned the arm could have a notch worn into it, mine did not),

or because the two bolts holding the bracket were very, very easy to loosen. I don't remember ever loosening them, but they were certainly not at torque spec.

So if you have a similar problem, try checking the bracket's bolts.