Thought I would add an update. So I made another print today, this would be the 5th print, and it is the first one to come out without any evidence of the density irregularity. My completely un-scientific and un-validated best guess at the problem would relate to the relative humidity. The 1st two prints the RH that day was 22%, the next two prints were made on a day with 26% RH and today it has been raining and the RH in my dimroom was 30%. The worst irregularity was evident on the two 1st prints.
So while I would not expect to see this much difference with such a minor change in RH, it is the only variable that IMO might explain it. Other than a few bad sheets.
I had forgotten how beautifully COT320 prints. The warmth & smoothness of tone is outstanding. I got, for me, an excellent black density of 1.35 and highlight value of 0.04 in the step wedge. And it wants to clear itself.