Any of the above can be true. BUT, when setting the trans, I make sure its in neutral. While its in neutral, you set the drum, star, shifting shaft, and the spring loaded rollers on the outside. Then its all in sequence. If its not properly in sequence, it can cause shifting issues that you describe. Even the little pawls inside the star mechanism, they can be put together backwards. Did someone actually measure the width of the areas that the forks ride in on the gears? And I sure hope these people that have helped you, have determined the dogs are still good?