T2DM

I used to have the Curado DC but sold it, I remember it being pretty good when using braided line on 1 and 2 settings. FC line on 3 or 4 settings not so much, very restrictive on those mode and casting distance is not very good IMO.
 
If you are an experienced bait caster user, then you'll appreciate 22 Bantam better.

All of my reels that came with 84MM handle are replaced by 18 or 22 Bantam XG 90MM handle with extra bearings:
 
 

 
If you like a good-looking silver, I suggest looking at the one for 22 Bantam XG (90MM) handle assembly part number 10S2V 
10S2V – Shimano US Fish Shop
 
If you like gun metal looking dark grey the checkout 18 Bantam XG (90MM) handle assembly
part number 10TTR
10TTR – Shimano US Fish Shop
 
Both of the handle assembly comes with the handle knobs you want but only 1 bearing per knob.
You can buy extra or extract the ones that came with the original handles you are replacing and the handle nuts and retainers should be compatible.
 
 
If you want handle assembly that comes with 2 bearings per knob then go for the Metanium B handle assembly, USDM HG already comes with 9MM, XG comes with 96MM both with bigger knobs also.
 
Anything else is personal preference.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Remove the Bail Trip Strip instead, I think its removable and should disable auto close. When you open the bail, and depending on the bail arm position, the Bail Trip Lever makes contact with the Bail Trip Strip. That's why the bail arm won't fully open and sometimes you have to twist the bail arm rotation again to fully open it and to get that full open feel and click. 
 

 
 
 

This is the correct link for the parts for your Metanium:
 
METANIUM MGL B 150XG – Shimano US Fish Shop
 
Part Number: 10T8V
10T8V – Shimano US Fish Shop
 
Latest JDM Metanium comes with smaller knobs
Handle assembly 84MM for 6,7 gear ratio.
and 90MM for the XG
 
20 USDM Metanium comes with bigger knobs
Handle assembly 90MM for 6,7 gear ratio
96MM for the XG
 
 
 
 

I'd go with the 24 SLX 70, you're not really missing out on SLX DC. Even though it's equipped with a new firmware based on the MGL3 spool, it's still an i-DC4 based reel IMO. the two more bearings you've mentioned are just in the handle knobs and not in the reel so there's that. I'd suggest not to get all caught up on the DC reels marketing stuff, it's just another reel with another braking system and it will backlash just like any other reel out there.
 
If you are really itching to get a DC reel for some reason, then I would recommend the SLX DC XT, best value for a dc reel IMO.
 
 
 
 
 

22 Bantam 6.2 Gear ratio, good reel for what you're going to use it for. Go JDM if you can, should be cheaper but no warranty.
 
SHIMANO - REEL - CASTING REEL - BANTAM (digitaka.com)
 
DC reels would be up to you, but get the one with iDC-5, better system IMO.

I think it's use is for braided or regular line.
 

This is the only thing I use with my reels, never strip a screw.....ever!
 
Wera 3355 Pozidriv PZ 0

My 3000 kind of did the same thing when I first got it, I exchanged it for another one and it was the same thing so I figured it's just a new reel and I just need to use it and after using it for a while all the 'weird noise' went away. Mine now is so smooth I bought another one but in a 1000 size, exact same thing with my Vanford 3000. New reels need a little break-in period IMO.