OK I'll bite
Personally I hate any play in my rudder.
In my old Hondo I bit the bullit & had a new rudder & stuffing box installed. The first time out all the chrome peeled off the rudder, including the shaft section. Which of course reduced the O.D.. It then shook, & it seemed everytime I took it out it got worse, drove me nuts. Boat did mid 80 mph.
The new boat has potential to be quicker. During the build I did not hesitate or worry about the cost. I got a really trick stuffing box from Bergeron. The box has delhrin inserts which can be replaced. I then got a new rudder, no chrome. I have only but a total of 40 gals of fuel throught the new boat, but so far this is a great set up.
Don't know how much play is acceptable. But that's my deal.
Morg.