So I agree with you and the manuals I've read also suggest ensuring that the rectifier is working correctly. Last night though I had insomnia as I often do so I kept tinkering... and I think I found it
Of course I could be totally wrong but I haven't blown anything up yet and my TP's are testing the correct voltage. I'm not out of the woods yet but for some reason it hit me that I replaced the bulbs in the mushroom caps and that they still didn't light up. So I started with wire 1 (white) on the J1 and started mucking with the play field. Long story short it led me to the caps. Pulled the bulbs and everything is working well on the rectifier.
I still need to figure out the bayonets but I learned some good stuff.
I also did give much thought to my soldering job... as awesome as it is
I probably should redo all the connectors just out of proper care.
Do you know of a rectifier rebuild kit or something like you were talking about? What about the best place to get lamp sockets? I know the LED argument but I think I want to keep this old school and I've switched over to 47's.