I was able to take apart my crankset and inspect for cracks or anything that would be causing the creaking sound. Didn't find anything, so I just cleaned it all and re-greased everything and the creaking seems to have stopped. I guess time will tell.

Back to my fork/ headset issue as the tiny bit of play is driving me crazy. I only notice it a little when going over bumps/ rough spots without putting any weight on the bars. I can hear it kind of rattle a bit. I can also feel a little play if I lift the front wheel off the ground, turn it 90* and rock it forwards and backwards. It is a tiny bit, but it is there enough to concern me. Especially with having a carbon steerer tube; I don't want it over stressing it and breaking.

When I installed the headset, I did not use the spacers under the red arrow in the picture below. If I were to install them, what order do they go in? Do they go on the outside of each headset bearing, or inside? I am confused.

Also, the beveled part of each headset bearing sits down in the head tube cup, correct? This would make the flat part for the bottom bearing against the crown race, and the flat part of the upper bearing against the headset cap.

Thanks!