Well, I got the Joe Gagon signature BG1/BG2 replacement pot. After the install, the wah/volume works perfectly and sounds great. It even tooths up to tune it with no issues, like a Crybaby or Vox. It was working OK with the original pot, but the replacement made it next level good. Best $38 I have spent in a while, and now the wah is good until a resistor drifts or capacitor dries out.
So, the free wah has the following costs.
$38 pot. 1 hour of internet research. 1.5 hours of taking it apart, cleaning it, general futzing.
The experience and knowledge is more than worth it. Plus, it really does sound great. It's definitely my type of wah.