Hi Norm,
Welcome to a forum which is anything but the norm
The 9 x 50 finder works fine for most people. I don't have any dramas with mine. Just wish it was a 90 degree angled finder.
I know nothing about Telrads.
Crayfords are spectacular!! The difference is amazing and very very noticable.
Flocking paper is used to reduce light reflection inside the tube. It is one way of doing it, there are many other ways.
Yes, slop and backlash can be a problem of Rack & Pinion focusers. Crayford do not suffer this and they are smoooooth!