Hi Scott, I did know there is about a 2mm gap on Fender tele's between pick guard and bridge plate, but I have the option of moving it forward now and the plate still covers the hole. I'm probably not using the pickguard anyway so it won't be an issue
The main reason I shifted the bridge forward was to give me more intonation adjustment. Where the bridge was placed I would have had to wind the bass saddle almost to the most forward position on the adjustment thread.
cheers for the encouragement. Good luck with yours I'm sure will be a winner !