Absolutely! Those sub-3000kv motors are torque monsters too. So if the mesh isn't just right, you can, well, do what you did to yours.
I couldn't tell from the pinion picture cuz it was not as sharp, but check the pinion gear too. If it looks worn in any way, replace it with the spur, then set your mesh with the paper method. While yer in there, make sure your motor mount screws have loktite. If the motor moves, you'll toast another spur gear.