Oh wow, very fortuitous that I'm looking into solving the same problem now or soon too! My 2nd gear grind started worsening just recently
Once you figure it out, do you wanna help me do another? Need any help in exchange for future help?
At the very least I'll have this great guide to reference - thanks for documenting.
I too may have issues with the cat studs, but everything else on mine generally looks clean(er than yours).