I`ve checked linkage alignment several times to put that out of the equation.
What are you trying to achieve here? pulling the gear more in mesh or to it`s limit/ stop point?
You're trying to keep the shift linkage from putting any additional pressure on the gear, increasing the chances of popping out when you load it in the opposite direction like when you decelerate. If the linkage isn't quite right it adds to the "pull". But that's not the primary force at work. If the problem is relatively minor the adjustment can fix it. If it's a major issue, it's more likely to be coming from a shaft or gear clearance issue, not just the shifter.
