Was it a solder splash that rubbed off, or did you melt and remove the
solder across the two connections? It sounds like you may have removed
a solder link that should be in place. If the solder was making good
connection between the two areas it was bridging, then it's a simple
of case of logic: if the set was working fine like that, then it
wasn't an accidental solder splash, or something would have been
malfunctioning from day of production.

As for the lead you pulled on, that's the EHT lead that carries
several kilovolts to the CRT anode. I would avoid messing with this
lead. Did you pull it partly out of the transformer or something? If
you didn't pull it from its catches, then I doubt you've done it any
harm, but make sure you haven't partly pulled it out and that the
anode cap at the other end of the lead is still properly in place on
the CRT, but be very careful as the tube capacitance
means that there is still dangerous and painful high voltage present
sometimes even days after last having the set on!

It may be best to have an engineer look at the set if you aren't sure
what's what. There are other parts which store a good deal of voltage
for long amounts of time and can be either bloody painful or at worst
dangerous. I personally think that for someone to try repairing their
own sets, they should have at least basic knowledge such as knowing
what the flyback transformer is and does... etc. That way they can
stay a bit safer.