1) The keys on one end are too tight. I can hammer them in, but I
prefer not to. I want them snug, but not too tight. I'll work on
them later. Things fit, correctly, two weeks ago... might be wood
movement?

I had a similar setup for my dining room table. I went with a loose
*vertical* key. It just drops in, but every time the table wiggles it
tightens the key a little bit. Never had a problem with them.

http://www.delorie.com/wood/projects...dining0001.png