Had to share this method of salvaging a decent pedal, At about 4000 miles, the left side started the annoying, click click. No unusual play.
I pulled the spindle and re-lubed with automotive waterproof wheel bearing grease. The noise came back after 20 miles.
Then I tried "Engine Assembly Lube, with Moly-Graphite" from the auto parts store. So far, after 200 miles, all is silent, smooth, and spinning freely. I figure, even if I have to do this every 1000 miles, it's worth it.