Hmm I still don't understand what you mean about it having slop. It's not an interference fit, I do get that. Even a hex driver has some slop. I don't crank the T-handle down like I'm tightening lug nuts. I snug it up and it's good to go, usually about 1/2" (now). Once that's done it's locked in there, and has basically seated into the hole on both sides, cranking it down 2" doesnt do anything probably probably put excuess stress on the stand.
Once you've attached the right side of the stand, the fitting should be a tad loose, but unble to come out of the hole (1/8" play?). Turning the T handle about 1/2" to no more than 3/4", you're ready to lift the bike. The pins should be snug into where the screw head (right) or hole (left) receive the pins. That's all that needs to be concerned with.