Bin working on outboards since 1968 or so.-----But , find a gray haired / caring mechanic in your area to help you with this.----Not many of those guys left I think.
Did you have the armature plate off?----Have never experienced that over many years / motors !----Side note.---Those U-shaped clips are not installed correctly on breaker points.
If a motor is in good condition it idles SMOOTH.----When put in gear it will drop about 150 / 200 RPM and idle smooth all day long.----If it stalls a lot something is wrong.----Simple trouble shooting will find the issues.