I hope you love your Project One as much I do mine. I've really enjoyed riding it since I picked it up the first part of Feb.
For the most part I almost always use the brake spacer except the time I didn't. And inadvertently compressed the brake lever
while the wheel was off.
Found an 1 ½" putty knife worked great for spreading the pads back out.
Good idea about carrying one with you in case of a flat. I've got extras and will through one in my flat kit bag.