I've thoroughly cleaned it, coated with anti-seize as per Praxis' procedure. Cups feel threading in smoothly without any binding while not feeling sloppy or loose... I have not faced the shell. Cups visually appear to make proper, even contact (all around) with the shell.
Nothing seems distorted at all, I see nothing that could allow the cups to flex or move (causing noise) plus the anti-seize coating is everywhere... I think it couldn't allow to produce the sharp "tick" sounds I have... Don't know how to word it but sounds "dry" !!!