Well, the latest news is that Lee came over to my house and really helped me to get going.
We redid the whole setup by taking apart the table, cleaning out all the gunk (boy was there gunk around the flywheel shaft), oiling the bearings etc, and reseating the table and stand according to proper level. Then, Lee showed me some of the ropes by setting up the arm. The 12.5 is extremely adjustable and Lee had an excellent handle over it.
He was just calm and patient with the whole process teaching me as we went along. We spun a few records that were sounding kind of thin at the top. Making sure all the settings were correct, we got it down to the unbroken in cartridge. Well, the cartridge was settling in and improving just as we were listening!
Lee left and I've been spinning a few records since. The sibilance was annoying the hell out of me. It has pretty much gone now and left a very nice clear sound that is just out of this world. This analog goodness has just blown my brains out. I absolutely love it.
Lee, I really thank you for taking time out of your day and helping me out. You really are the true rock star in my books. See you soon!