I am wondering a couple of things here.
I use High Purity Gas, which is the same as propane.
I set the pressure between 3 and 7 on my gauge.

I have seen the Gas savers.
When you put the torch on the hook, it shuts down the gas.

You stated you have it "setup" with a foot pedal to turn it on.
However, your pilot light is lit, which is running off the gas.
So you are getting fuel through the device.

Do you want me to swing by and take a look?

Added 2 days later:

I thought about it some more and I have a similar problem with getting my propane to light.
It blows itself out while trying to light it.
I generally turn down the pressure at the gauge until I can get it running.