The old metal-V bearing SME's all had play in the ball-races
Don't understand - SME Vs have ball race bearings to ABEC7 tolerance.

At least new and used spares are readily available from various sources.
Yes at a price! (especially those filthy money grubbing opportunists who went in and bought up the spares stock from SME, when SME discontinued the 3009 II (and 3009 II improved) and now sell their wares on eBay) - Caveat Emptor!