Running rich on idle and WOT

Drove around, got my engine hot and adjusted to specs.

Should've asked this earlier but how tight am I supposed to adjust?

For instance, on an intake clearance, should -

(1) .010 go in relatively easy and .011 can go in but with some force

OR

(2) .010 go in with some force and .011 not go in unless I really jam it in there?

Cause I adjusted with by (1) and maybe my valve "ticking" is due to loose adjustments?

Also I noticed the wear on my lash pad is uneven. On one side/half, the feeler won't have as much friction as on the other side. Is this normal wear and tear? And am I using the side of the lash with the stronger friction as the primary feeler contact for adjusting?