Yes, there will be some slop/play with that .2mm difference. General frustrations with anything in life...despite what the product description says, nothing is "universal". Looks like Gamma went with 12mm and Spinfire, Pro's Pro, Alpha, etc. clamp stems are 12.2mm.
I guess the next question is, who makes the best string clamps w/ 12mm diameter stems?
I found some Alpha 12.2mm diameter string clamps, which are $75/each + shipping.
Current prices on Gamma's top of the line base clamps and string clamps (per John at Gamma):
Gamma auto release cam-lock swivel base clamps are $350/each
Gamma 4 tooth universal string clamp is $140/each
You need a pair, so multiply this by 2 and everything is probably a little under $1,000/shipped (OUCH, I could buy another used stringer for that much!)
But if you already have some older Gamma clamps, you just need the base clamps, which is still $700/pair + shipping (still expensive).
Vs. Spinfire/generic 12.2mm stem diameter clamping system (per Carol at Spinfire)
Spinfire automatic base clamps is $110/each
Spinfire hybrid clamp V50 is $100/each
Again, you need to buy in pairs so this works out to $420 + shipping
If you don't need Gamma string clamps - $700 (Gamma) - $420 (Spinfire) = $280 difference
If you do need Gamma string clamps - $980 (Gamma) - $420 (Spinfire) = $560 difference
I don't need Gamma string clamps, so for me, I am not sure it is worth the gamble for a $280 difference...which is probably why most of us are in this dilemma and are sticking with our Gamma (non-cam lock) switch action swivel base clamps. I guess I could re-work those numbers above and factor in the re-sale factor of the older Gamma clamps not being used, not sure what the street value is of the gently used Gamma stuff. Regardless, I am not sure what that dollar amount I would need to be at to get me to roll the dice, because if at the end of the day I have $450 paper weights I will not be a happy camper...and the other side is, if the Spinfire stuff does happen to work here are my other thoughts:
Spinfire quality Vs. Gamma's quality of products (longevity, string clamp slippage, base clamp creep, etc.)
Spinfire warranty/support - Spinfire is in Australia, so costs to ship back and forth Vs. Gamma in Pittsburgh, PA - USA
No risk with using Gamma stuff on my Gamma 5800 Els and their quality is not in question...as I know stringers with 20+ year old Gamma stuff still in use today (and going strong) with minimal maintenance/service issues.
I would love to hear other opinions on this or thoughts that I may have overlooked in my research.