Is my cantilever broken?

HI. Thanks for your responses; yes, I have a gauge, and am using the cart at the manufacturer's recommended force.

The cartridge sounds great, but it seems that it is at a very low angle in reference to the cartridge body.

It appears that lowering the cart onto a disc changes the VTA substantially, although the sound of my records is not exhibiting symptoms of too much or little VTA.

The result is that the undercarriage rides very close to the record which, in part, is a function of the design, but after the suspensions adjustment, gets very, very close to dragging along the record.

I guess the most succinct question is whether substantial, visible movement of the cartridge body pivoting onto the resting cantilever as the suspension adjusts is normal, and to what degree?

... also, does a suspension become more or less pliable as it ages. In other words, is this a sign of a worn suspension or a fresh one. (bought the car on ebay- advertised as low hours- it looks new by the way).

Thanks, all.

So, Thom - does a decrease in compliance cause more or less movement of the cantilever? It seems to me that "stiffness" would create less shock resistance, more rigidity and therefore less movement.

So, what appears to be a soft suspension with alot of give would maybe indicate a newer cartrige?