I posted a video a while back showing brand new stud with brand new cups. And the rod were only threat in by 2-3 threads. And they would stand up in the air without a load. I tried the same with with several different new cups and studs and it was 100% the same thing. To me a proper link is free moving like the tlr22 cups in my video. My cups are "ok" after being worked, but they are no where near the freeness of the tlr cups. But they are probably "free enough" I guess. I agree that the cup ream is probably the best method. I have not got around to ordering one and trying it yet. A guy I know bought them and I might see if I can play with it between rounds.
Here was the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NJD...JV_i33VjYn47zw