okay - thanks for the replies, and i've been following along with the now more expanded discussion of placing something like a shim, or attaching something to the plate's bottom piece to close the gap.
after i checked out the one- and two-screw methods again, and looking at the plate position on my own disassembled pedal, i, too, went with just the one screw.
i thought i had some thin foam that was adhesive on one side, but it's no longer to be found. the only other bits of foam were too thick, so i just used the softer velcro tape that came with my guitar effects pedal board.
i just cut two small pieces and affixed them to the bottom. i noticed that there is still a bit of a gap, but the trigger reacts quicker than before. not much travel either, when compared to before. it will take me a while to determine if it's "good" or "bad." if it tightens things up a bit, and gives the resulting sound a more natural flow, even if it's perfect, i'll be pleased with the improvement. i'll report anything worth report, and for now just say thanks!
i'm tried to attach pictures so you see the material i used and how i just stacked two strips - but i keep getting an error, and it's an old camera, nothing fancy like some users
. i may try again, but basically, i cut away much of the velcro material to a thinner stubble on the first layer, and left the second layer as it was after applying it. i think it will hold well over time...but we'll see.