P3-24 pitch instability

I guess it depends on how severe the pitch variations are -- you may be more sensitive to them than others. That said, I've owned probably a half-dozen Regas and I don't think I've seen a wobble like that in any of them.

Since you have the latest P3, it may still be under warranty, so there's no reason not to send it back to the dealer for a look. If it comes back with a clean bill of health, and you want to keep it, the Groovetracer subplatters have a dramatic effect on pitch stability, and the Rega TT-PSU even more dramatic still. Together, they would probably be a massive upgrade.

You could also get into a Technics 1200, and even add a Rega, Jelco or SME arm, for about the same price as a fully-loaded P3. You'll get rock-solid pitch for sure, but you will give up some of the openness and pace of the Rega.

Sorry to say, but now that we know you bought it used, I tend to agree with the others that it was probably sold because of the problem you're having, and that the motor needs to be replaced. Maybe the seller will split it with you. The good news is, a new motor is only around $100.

It's pretty easy to pack them up. I've shipped a half dozen over the years without a single problem.

The best instructions I've ever seen are from Rich at Signature Sound:

http://www.sigsound.com/NU&DInfoPages/regapack.htm

You'll just have to substitute lots of bubble wrap for the factory styrofoam, and I would double box it as well.

I'm not surprised the guys at The Sound Org were so responsive, even though you bought the table secondhand. They're deeply concerned about product quality and customer satisfaction, and will probably be able to determine whether what you're experiencing is a quality control issue on the manufacturing end, or a shipping damage issue, or perhaps the result of the previous owner's abuse.

Keep us posted...