Sounds rosy and good you've had some apparent inspiration.....but I won't patronize you by blowing hugs and kisses and other crap, because I'm not convinced.
Sure two changes made a difference, but was it the axle lug/s, or the thrust-ring, or a combo ? You need to do one at a time to be sure.
The thrust-ring must be there for a reason.
Which side bearing did you install first ? It makes sense to me to do the (busy)drive side first (which may explain why the retainer ring doesn't end up flush- maybe it doesn't need to be ?) and add the right-side bearing when the other is properly in place (leave out unnecessary bits until needed).
Removing the thrust-ring will move the wheel/RIM/tyre *off-centre*
to the left 3/32" (thickness of ring by all accounts I can find), that will affect your ride.
Yes- I'm struggling to give an actual answer, but I know I had issues here that I can't document just now, and some things are not worth short-cutting, but good luck with it and I hope the frame isn't bent.
All I know is when it's properly sorted, it'll be a great ride.
Remember- this is a learning curve for all of us, and some in the future, and the standard you accept has a potential to set a precedent for others, whatever it may be.
My today is bergers tommorrow
, (and so is tommorrow)