Originally Posted by queerpunk
would it be a question of torque on the top cap prior to tightening the bolts holding the stem to the steerer, or, as i would assume from your comment, just torquing the **** out of the bolts on the stem?
A little from column a, a little from column b. The cap needs to be snug enough that the bearings won't develop play under load. There's a torque value that will give you the proper preload. Once you've done that, then just tighten the living bejesus out of the stem bolts. Strip, then back off 1/4 turn.
Since you're not noticing the stem move around, I wonder if you've got enough preload on the cap bolt.
Edit: but if Ritchey has a reputation for this, maybe I'm just talking out of my ass. It's been known to happen.