Thanks for the kind words Chris.
Indeed, you have to have some clearance for the tailwheel parts to move freely. How much is too much can be a tough question, but the most important thing is that the steering locks when it should lock and unlocks when it should unlock.
In other words, you really need not worry about a little up and down play in the fork/bushing socket assembly. As Chris said, I torture tested a sloppy fork for about 75 hours with no problems occurring.
It is also OK for the control arm (the part that connects to the rudder chains) to wobble a bit.
If either of these items seem unreasonably loose on your plane, there are ways to fix them.
These parts should have more of an "AK-47" fit, than an "M-16" fit. They are exposed to sand, dirt, mud, and water. The tailwheel parts need a bit of slop so the parts don't bind.
Once again, if the steering is locking and unlocking when it should, don't fret about it.
It is recommended that you remove the large retaining nut and completely disassemble the tailwheel fork at least once a year. Clean it with a paper towel, inspect the locking pin and control arm for wear, burrs, or other anomalies, grease the whole thing with wheel bearing grease APPLIED WITH YOUR FINGER, and reassemble.
Do not be fooled by the grease zerk on the back of the bushing housing. It WILL NOT distribute grease evenly, and it ABSOLUTELY WILL NOT get any grease up to the locking pin area... which is an important area to keep lubed. (This "grease zerk" is actually a bushing lock. It prevents the machined upper bushing from spinning. It's completely useless as a grease zerk.)
Contact me if you have any questions!
Fly safely.