Tried to shim it up a bit, and no luck so far. It was just a quick try before i had to go into work today. So i'll give it another go next time i have some time. Thanks!
Nessie, playing with the reel today, that sound is still there, though much fainter and only at higher speeds. I'm really thinking it has to do with the plastic gear B rubbing the plate A and also plate C. Seems the plastic gear(B) on the drive shaft wobbles to one side under faster handle speeds. Kinda weird. I just realized they replaced the spool bearing because i took off the seal (they listed it as damaged

)...lol...and man do they grease the heck out of the worm shaft!
Anyways, thanks guys!!!
Geoff