Speed Master drag question

[JRD]

I serviced a Speed Master II for a friend recently and was able to source parts for his fighting star he loves so much.  I am always saying what a great reel it seemed to be and we discussed distance casting a lot.  The other day while cleaning the boat he dumped this box into my car without letting me know.  Sneaky bugger (12 year old rule substitution).

I've cleaned it and replaced the drags with a Calcutta 400b carbonex kit which fit almost perfectly.  The only question was the bottom washer originally is eared to fit in the gear key ways.  The Calcutta was not.  Other than that the drag stack configuration was the same, carbinex, keyed washer, carbinex,  eared washer, carbinex,  keyed washer and it's got great drag.  Is it really necessary to have that first drag element eared?

[JRD]

Here is a better picture of the drag stack

[alantani]

the ears are not needed!

[JRD]

Thank you sir!