After finally settling on an increase of 3/4", the 8 holes were drilled.

That's as tall as it can go without a major investment in a new stand.  The stand height was now 35"  + 2.25" of spring height. 

Also visible is the latest in music stand technology, 4 magnets non destructively bolting down a sheet of cardboard.  The panel is inaccessible.  Former attempts to make a stand with duct tape left adhesive everywhere.  It was finally removed with much acetone & erosion of the plastic parts.  Another iteration would involve a hinge mechanism to access the panel.

After a few months, this height proved acceptable.  It made the sound less harsh.