I seem to have it pulling better now. I took a bit of very fine grit sandpaper to the ends of the bobbin and then polished them with 600 grit. That seemed to be just enough to help. I am calling it good at this point! I've polished and re-polished and oiled everything!
It feels good to get this little guy sewing again.
There were times there where I wasn't so sure it was going to happen.