Quick update: The stem dropped right out. I was definitely set to high with less than a centimeter of solid stem in the steerer tube. The tube looks to be round with a quick caliper check. The handlebars do look squeezed on one side so I'll condemn them. There was teflon tape in the stearer threads, I'm not sure what that's about .I will try and get a photo shoot organized later this week this weather permitting. As an aside, How many folks here end up working on upside down bikes suspended from the ceiling? I'm a boat builder by trade so it doesn't seem that odd. Off to troll ebay for gravity boots...