I'd sort this out before digging in to the Ball Release issue. The 10k stepper should reset to the Minus-1 position at the beginning of the reset sequence and then take a single step up to the 0 position as reset continues. Since you're seeing some variability in the 100k reset I'd first check that the stepper is clean and can reset to Minus-1 from any position. It's possible that it's just dirty and binding up because of the extra friction of old dirty grease and grime.

If it's cleaned and working well you should be able to manually reset the 10k stepper and advance it one step repeatedly with the power off.

/Mark

As Mark said you should address this issue first. One easy way to see if old grease/lube is the problem is to manually advance the stepper with the power off and then push the plunger in on the reset coil of the stepper. The arm should effortlessly spring back to start position. While the plunger is still depressed you should effortlessly be able to move the wiper back and forth. Dirty rivets will also prevent the wiper from going back to the -1 position.