On a 3 line machine the cuts are at different depths on a jackpot only machine. 3 cuts same length bam jackpot.
Not sure on your machine, its probable a combination of cuts and wiring on the wipers, but not sure. I'd double check with Jon.
I do know the cuts don't very that much in depth. First I would look carefully at the index arm rollers to see if they are not worn out or pin is loose.
Also the index arms, one may be loosened. This could give a false pay. I know that wipers out of adjustment or one finger out of alignment will give a false reading. Have a machine that starts the hopper for a split second due to wipers or a bad roller. Not annoying enough to look in to.
Wipers can be touchy, if you try to align them center on a set of buttons they could be way off at the other end of the board.
Best bet is to average them out of course.
If its only the cherries giving a problem, I would assume everything else is in order. Most machines I've seen the cherries have a wire for the 2 payout and the 5 payout. Could be a short across the two on the wiper board and or maybe on the payout step up unit.
Curious to what you find.