Funny you mention that, I actually read a blog post about stabilizer assembly not too long ago that talked about this exact problem. The author said most people get the wire position wrong because the instructions that come with the parts are usually terrible. They recommended lubing the wire where it snaps in as well, not just the stem. I tried that tip on my last build and it made a big difference, even with cheap stabilizers. It is easy to miss these little details when you are just starting out, so do not beat yourself up over it.

That story about the Keystone K-40 really gets me. I had a guy bring in an old Kodak Retina once, and the bellows had more holes than a fishing net. I told him flat out it was a lost cause and he walked out mad. Sometimes being honest just means they'll go down the street and get the same news from someone else, but they'll blame you for it. I say just be straight with them but maybe don't call granddad's camera a paperweight, try something like "this one's done for, but here's a deal on a working one.