Hello Seekonk,
What is the maximum Gate to Source voltage rating of the MOSFET you're using?
The problem with measuring FET's and MOSFET's is that they have some residual
charge still in them due to parasitic capacitance.
So when measuring them, you need to short all the leads together to eliminate
this problem, then you can measure the MOSFET with better accuracy.
I have to agree that the Gate/Drain resistor should have been more robust, but it
would really depend on what currents and loads its subjected to, as I don't know
what your circuit looks like.
Regards,
Relayer