I won a new cassette and chain today. The chain was 1/16 inch off but enough for me to want a new one. Also, it *seems* like the SRAM cassette wore kinda fast despite the fact that I kept the cassette and the chain super clean and lubed. I'll see if this one does any better. I kind of get the impression that Shimano wears better in the long run but we'll see.

Thanks everyone for your tips and recommendations. I'm off to do a chick ride in the morning and I'll see how the shifting goes.