use sudo nano instead of sudo vi
Edit the file /usr/share/pulseaudio/alsa-mixer/paths/analog-output.conf.common (with sudo):
sudo vi /usr/share/pulseaudio/alsa-mixer/paths/analog-output.conf.common
Add the following lines before the [Element PCM] block:
[Element Master]
switch = mute
volume...
I have tested other distros like fedora and manjaro on this same machine and I get the same issues so I think it is a kernel level issue.
I am not expecting a solution I am just wanting devs to know about my issue and to hope they consider a patch.