the clicks are ridges on the lockring skating over the splines on the cog. since those freewheel spacers have no ridges, you get no clicks.

makes sense that it'd be disconcerting, but it's not a problem. since there's no direct torsional force on the lockring it's very unlikely to come unscrewed. just crank it on there, check it once a year maybe, you'll be fine.

nothing wrong with your other solution either, do that if it makes you feel better.