This is an older pic of mine, I'll try to get a better pic of the arm soon so you can see the differences, mainly bar on top that connects the anti-skating wire thingie and your mounting plate looks different as well.
I don't know what your finances are like, but you should spend a bit more on a cartridge. I think you know that those tonearms were designed for the Shure V-15 series carts. They go for around $400 US, with JICO replacement stylus for about what you pay for the AT (a great cart for the price btw). I'd love to get the Grace F again, but at $500+ used I'll have to wait a bit.
I may be able to get you in touch with a Thorens guru for your platter issue.
Cheers,
stu