Clutch 'free play'

[stageman]

with a 2mm endplate ... hope the topmost clutch plate sits deep enough in the crownwheel... had to use the 3mm endplate otherwise the clutch plate looked ready to jump the crownwheel....

[desi]

I understood that the clutch actuating arm should be at a right angle to the casing - surely this takes up any significant free-play? i.e. any free-play and the arm will take up the slack.
My cable starts to move after about a millimeter pull on the lever. Grateful for clarification.