I read your post but am not sure I understand just what you asking….
In any event, like others have said, some outboards have a bit of an angled ramp on the dog/gear lugs that can help hold them engaged. Otherwise, just the pressure of the dog against the gear lug helps keep them locked together.
Most of the time, the various linkages are to blame when clutch dog problems occur, remote controls add even more errors.
This is why it is so important to check for slop and full forward engagement when repairing clutch dog/gear lug issues, otherwise the issue is likely to reoccur even with new parts. I have even noticed that some of the small gearcases with the detent that rides against the shift rods don’t have complete engagement in forward gear.
But, it is important to note that “preloading” a clutch dog into the forward gear lugs in an effort to solve jumping issues, or in an effort to make sure they don’t occur, will just wear out the aluminum cradle and shift fork linkage.
I too cringe when I hear people shifting gears slowly, that chattering noise is like hearing fingernails going down a chalk board to me!
You speak of swapping gearcase skegs, it is important to note that the gearcase housings are a matched pair, just like crankcase halves. I know many guys do it with no problems, but you need to be aware of the risk you are taking when mixing/matching gearcase halves.
