Good idea for marking a parallel line. Could you take a picture or illustrate? Not sure I'm clear how you're measuring where to mark the line.
Evan-rcu came up with a wood U block to trap the wire gear against the pants right where the flying wires attach. Check out the last few pages of the 30cc thread.
Someone said a drop of oil will loosen up the wheel, but they've also said the 'axle' will keep bending and get softer as you repeatedly bend it back. I'm considering cutting mine off and using a dubro ez axle.