TT-101/QL-10 user here as well, nice read.
My unit has been recapped by the prior owner, but I also experience some speed issues (fast, etc) when the unit is cold in the wintertime. Zero issues in summer, and only seen in winter if the man cave is 60ish deg F. Once I fire up the heat for a bit issues are gone, runs perfect. I may need to look at the solder rings at some point but for now, not worth tearing it apart. They are wonderful sounding TT's.
Upgraded mine to UA-7082 (long version) with sub weight.
So if you had the 7045 before, how is the 7082 in comparison? It's a bit of a heavy arm isn't it?