penn 100 gets hard to turn when drag is applied

[Alto Mare]

You are actually lower than usual with the stack, the eared washer is usually even with the lip of the main gear.
I'm going to repeat myself, as I've mentioned above, your issue is with assembly, the eared washer is popping out as you assemble the bridge. If that washer gets tilted it will still give drags but the handle would be very hard to turn.
Assemble the washers, place a rubber band on top of the sleeve to help hold everything down as you assemble the bridge and I'm sure your problem will go away.

[fishhawk]

Thanks everyone for your input! Not sure which one fixed it, but it's fine now!
I replaced under gear washer (delrin) with one a little larger in diameter, I squeezed clutch springs together, (remembered I had previously stretched them out),replaced star drag with one that has the indention cut out in it,loosened n tightened bridge screws, replaced left side bushing. and all seems well!!!
Seems like on several reels where I have installed bp's spacing sleeve I found that after you get it in, loosen bridge screws,seat spacer then re-tighten and it will work much better!
thanx-again