Assuming you're talking about the plastic orange piece that snaps to the stud to hold the shifter in place. How in the world did you get the drive installed with it still snapped on? I have A2 maybe it's different.
I replaced my cable a few years ago due to wear. The amount of play did not improve. I think it's inherently a bit sloppy. Thankfully under power I really don't notice it.
Just wondering where is your sound system at? I have the same Sony remote you have pictured on far right. As far as I know their current units no longer support the LED readout that remote was intended to, and used to, display. For my cheap Sony head unit that remote's buttons still function...
