The VPI washer is specifically made to match their platter and to only be used with their clamp, which applies pressure to the outside of the label forcing the LP down around the washer to maintain firm contact with the platter. Unless you have the same type of clamp for use with the SOTA you shouldn't use the VPI washer. I think the tonearm should have a height adjustment for its cueing mechanism which may need to be lowered. That should be a setting independent of the arm height which would be used to set proper VTA. I'm not familiar with the 309 specifically but am speaking in general about most tonearms. Hope this helps.
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