I'm guessing your connections aren't tight and check your grounds otherwise make sure you have the key on and the run switch on run. There's no reason why it won't run with the +5.
I say keep the basket and get yourself a stock pressure plate and hub off of ebay and run the tusk clutch. Sell the new pressure plate you bought and you'll be just fine and it'll be cheaper.
I didn't see this part of your post, I hear ya but my $200 port seriously hauls ass now, it's the torquiest banshee I've ever been on, smooth from idle on up.
That's a valid point. I want to read the review so make sure you post it. The best way to eliminate spin that I've found is to use a big front sprocket. What kind of gearing are you running 1800bigK?