My First EBMM Guitar and I have a question

After 31 years of playing (I’m 44) I finally bought my first Music Man. It’s a Tobacco Burst Axis SS. Needless to say, it’s simply a great guitar and from looks, sound and feel it’s the best electric I have ever owned. I play through a Yamaha THR100HD amp and it sounds so good.
I blocked the tremelo same as I did with my PRS Custom22 for the past 22 years. I simply prefer it that way. 2 questions. 1. Do I need to do any adjustments to the two hex bolt screws going through the bridge by the bridge pickup? I didn’t know if they needed to be screwed in more or if they are fine. 2. I bought this used, it’s a 2010 and I think, and there is a thin piece of something under the back of the bridge where it would rest on the body. Almost like a thin cushion or something. Is this something from the factory or something the previous owner would have put on?

I normally play 10’s, I think the guy I bought it from has 10’s on it. MM sends them out with 9’s. I’ve never played 9’s. I’m sure I will buy some and try them but what are the tone differences, if any, with using 9’s? 3 ? I guess.

I really can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get a MM. The Axis is everything I want from the body shape and size, the shortened feel, the 4 over 2 head, the smaller/skinnier neck, the stock pups sound amazing. I play 85% cleanish, kind of reggae style and it sounds perfect for that. I’m as happy as I have ever been with buying a new guitar.

I’m going to try and attach pics.

Thanks and One Love