I think my 727 is fried. Now I'm at a crossroads...

The only time I have to buy the extra ridged plate is if I have a 3 plate direct. Then I need it for the additional clearance so I can run five .061 Red Eagles in there. But if you already have a four plate, the five thins will fit with the stock top plate. If you are running a stall converter, you can put a flat retaining ring (they are selective) in the direct drum without encountering a harsh reverse engagement. The waved ring can be inserted into the groove with the ridged plate but it takes some twisting back and forth and you might not end up with enough clutch clearance. The soft 1-2 was probably something else. But I'm not absolutely positive. Was your kickdown set right? Sounds like you don't have one hooked up at all. Let's see what was done to your valve body. But I would def put in a spring; along with a stubby section of 1/2" ID iron water pipe (the OD fits the inside of the spring very well) 1/2 to 5/8" long.