Delaware Valley Tackle

In two decades I’ve never replaced “weak” yoke springs. Lost, bent, broken etc sure. If shim adjustments don’t work I’d look for another spool option. There are so many better bsf platforms I’d be hesitant to spend too much time on it. YMMV

Good general advice so far. I like the idea of adding a blocking wrap. If you don’t want to get involved in self leveling epoxy Sally Hansen Hard as Nails clear works for quick repairs. Don’t glue them in so strongly that they can’t be removed if necessary down the road.

The thing with the ambassadeur is the synchronous levelwind that has to move with the spool. There are kits to put bearings on the worm gear to help alleviate but I’ve had luck without buying parts. Polish all friction points and use a dry lube like they use on fire arms.

An arbor knot is so easy to tie I don’t personally see the benefit of skipping it. Ymmv

The crank case side snaps over a little nub. It takes gentle prying and wiggling. I don’t see it coming off without removing both side plates.

Not that exact model but other XPS hooks have worked fine.

Nothing about the specs in your post make me think finesse. Is the point justifying expense on a rod purchase? If so, I’d come at it from the other direction: how much do you want to spend, and what’s the biggest bang for the buck at that price?

I set my Shimano sv brakes 3 pins on 3 off no slack in spool tension and never adjust anything except maybe slight spool tension. Set it and forget it

Best orientation is ( ) it’s not as critical as sometimes made out. I prefer marine grease for lubrication and water repelling. Cals and Superlube are other good choices.

I’ve used springs from click pens in a pinch. You can use a salvage spring. Not a bad idea to replace with oem down the road.

Deep clean and lube should correct that issue.

It depends on your definition of smooth as well. The customer referenced like an “airy” feel where as I prefer a more connected feel.

Bushings are not bad in the right applications. I have a good customer that spent a lot of time and money putting bearings in handles just to switch back to bushings after corrosion from fishing brackish water. One example

It depends on the reel. Some spacers just fit over the shaft, others fit over a bearing holder, or over a bearing.

Marine grease