I found an armature at JT Amusements for $14.95. Steve didn't have that (or the spring) in stock. I'll see if that fixes it up. If it shows some magnetism, I think I'll try the hammer beating first before installing it, instead of some of the more exotic remedies.
Just finished running it through some tests before making this post. And one sequence, it did close as it should, without needing two hits to shake that thing loose. And, while not applying your solution, I think I hit the flippers at the same time the mushroom was hit and it closed, so same effect.
Another question, and it is outlane related. I read in the manual that posts can be installed to make draining a bit more difficult. Right now it's a damn drain guru. It refers to an illustration that is not in the manual I have. That's next on the to-do list, but not until I can find a good picture or illustration of where they should/could go.
There are still some quirks (ball 5 light for instance), but finally, no game-breakers. I suspect this game, being so old, may have those from time to time. And I need to find something that will work as a good bulb puller for those back-box bulbs.
What a pain in the ass they are, especially the match row.