That is the first I have heard of a hub using spacers in that application, but to answer the question:
Cartridges will have an ever so slight ammount of play when they are out of the machine. This is in part due to accounting for the compression of pressing them into the shell. The idea with the spacers is to prevent the tensioning nuts(end of axles) from Over-tighening and prematurely wearing on the bearings. To remove the play, you will need to remove one or more shims and trial fit it. The difference is very slight between too tight and just right, so expect to have a tedious job. It should have no play when installed on the bike and the skewer is at full tight. If it is satisfactory on the bike, all things are locked down, and it has play off-bike, don't worry about it.
You should be able to acheive at least 3-4k miles on the stock cartridges(though with adjustment potential you may get more). Much more on upgrade ones.