Well, it seems like with the Salts in ffg SE it is worth asking the dealer to check for bladeplay indeed (or go to a brick an mortar store and try yourself).
I ordered two more: Wanted one as a gift, and, I have to admit it, as such to be perfect, so I ordered two in order to send the "worse" one back (I don´t ever return knives normally, but in this case knowing that their might be blade play (which I don´t want in a gift for someone who gets his first Spyderco)! I felt this was ok).
Plus: I asked the dealer (Lamnia) to check for bladeplay on both: (which they said they would and obviously actually DID)
What can I say: They are both clearly better concerning blade play than my own one that I got quite recently.
Mine has both side to side play and some lock rock, these two no side to side play and lock rock can only be provoked with a lot of force.
I don´t mind that bit of play in mine - but I WOULD in the larger Pac Salt, and I would not want it in a Salt 2 I gift to someone.
Anyway, and again: I think most are really good, but some seem to have a bit more play, and it is certainly worth it asking the dealer to check for that!
That being said: I totally love my Salt 2 ffg SE :)
It is just the perfect lightweight - , but still extremely capable option!
A dream come true for mountaineers and lightweight hikers.