I think the amp is Pioneer tho. Generally a decent amp with a crap player will still produce decent sound, but a decent player with a crap amp will sound crap. All in all your right, Ford had it right with the Lanes back in the day especially seeing it was lower budget compared to the euro cars.
Good on you dude for keeping her stock. There are not too many stockies out there anymore because mod's are just too easy.

If you need another factory stacker, let me know. I have one sitting in my garage, still has the cartridge in it, was working fine before removal.

But, yeah, the factory units do bind up every now and then. I've had it once or twice. no point putting grease on the a***, thats not the issue, just age mate.