Originally Posted by repechage

I agree a very small bit of lateral play at the rim. Do not forget that the skewer will load the system. Way back the Campagnolo USA mechanic advised to have a bit of play in the hub while off the bike, his demo included a set of dropouts, load the skewer up... and the play went away.

I think the same dynamic applied to most self contained bearings save tapered roller which while common on motorcycles are rare on bicycles.