Will fine tune adjustments with protractor help with "brightness?"

Of course the Technics engineers know what they are doing wth respect to tonearm geometry and alignment.  However it is a proven fact that different flavors of alignment have different distortion characteristics over the arc of the record surfaces- it becomes more of a choice and preference thing.  
However where the Technics engineers failed is by not improving the accuracy of the overhang gauge.  Adjusting the cantilever so it is parallel with the gauge is a guess at best.  There should be runway lines on the gauge.  
bottom line- it is more accurate to align a cartridge and cantilever with a proper gauge that lines up with the spindle.  
The mint tractor alignment sounds better- whether it be through "flavor" or allowing better accuracy (or both). 

Yip recommended the 9 step as the "standard" won't be avail till the end of July. Not sure what the difference is, he didn't say. It's in the mail too!

Regarding what I do and don't hear. I'm totally sure I hear anything wrong or not but was curious whether a specific protractor will help my cart be better aligned and I do believe it will. At least, I'll find out soon!

i am using the standard Mint for the 1200G.  Sounds great to me.  maybe I will try the new one when available to hear the difference.