I guess the question for Rob is: Do you get a "gear buzz" from the pinion running on the ring gear OR do you just get a "starter whine"?
Starter whine means that the sprag elements are not grabbing, so tightening the upper spring can help force them into contact and drive the shaft. If a tiny flat is worn on the edge of the sprags, it takes more spring force to make them hookup.
Gear buzz means the the sprag elements are working and the starting motor does not have enough zip to "force" the gear engagement. This usually indicates a weak battery.
It's a tricky balance of forces because the pinion is already turning when it is moving to engage the ring gear. Bendix systems usually have a bit of gear clashing noise during meshing.
The info here shows how the sprags elements pivot to lock up
http://www.gmnbt.com/freewheel.htm