That still doesn't solve the problem that my miter gauge doesn't have a 90 degree or 45 degree detent for repeatability, or that the angle retention bolt rattles loose when the saw is working hard.
What does it look like?
Most miter gauges are pretty "meh". Even the ones that used to come with $ cabinet saws, like a unisaw or powermatic 66.
They can be improved, the slop can be taken out by center punching the sides to form some raised dimples.
A wood fence can screwed to them, to extend the cast fence, it also gives support right at the blade to reduce chip out on the cut break through.
The angle can be set with a angle block of some sort, but the bolt coming loose- that sounds a bit scary.
Its pretty hard to get a really accurate miter with one, especially when trying to make a frame, like a picture frame, as the slightest error multiplies.
A sled will give better results, most of the time.