Thanks all for the quick replies.

Speeds... Its now an 11-32 x2

Looking for the metal its accumulating on the back of the derailleur, and right at the bottom of the seat stay.

Double checked seems the cassette and chain are not touching the frame at all.

When the shop went up from the OEM 11-28 to the 32 they also put on a new chain, it was checked again recently and is not worn.

The binding is hard to explain. It sorta feels like the brake is dragging, Ive checked that many times and the brakes are not the culprit. But at times when pedaling hard something will pop in the drive line and and binding is gone.

I am going to have to get back and check the housing ends.