Derailleur adjustment question
 

So i was unhappy with the job my LBS did with my derailleur and decided, "dammit, if these shmucks can do it so can i". Went to parktool, read over and printed thier instructions, and went to work. Took me a while, but i finally got my bike shifting the way i like, bar 1 problem, its hesitates shifting to the smallest sprocket. It shifts eventually, but the lag is annoying. The tension is as loose as possible without impacting upshifting to easier gears, yet it still hesitates when going to the harder 'high' gear. My limit screws are set properly, i dont think my hanger is bent, b screw is set properly, cable housing is ok, and cable is lubed.

Is there perhaps something relativly simple that im overlooking? I notice the swing arm on the derailleur is slightly bent inwards, probably from impact somewhere. Could this be my problem? If so, is there a way to straighten it without just pulling on it to straighten it out? Or is this ok?

Thanks for any advice.

How old is the bike? I'd try replacing the section of derailleur housing that's adjacent to the rear derailleur. Sometimes the shift cable hangs up on that curve.

Its a new bike. 06 rockhopper with an LX RD. Housing and cable is still in good condition...i thought it was just a tension issue, but now im not so sure. My concern is primarily with the swing arm that holds the pullys (unsure of the correct name) being bent. I'd like to straighten it, but dont want to just tug on it if there is a better way.

I dont know that this is whats causing my hesitation to the smallest sprocket, but at this point im in the process of elimination.

My .02. Possible chain issues. Sticky link or stretched?

I had that problem before & i found my hanger was out of alignment.

I suppose its reasonable to think that if the swing arm took a bashing and is bent, the hanger could be messed up too.

How sure are you your limit screw is set correctly? What happens if you let the derrailleur go sideways a bit more?