Timing My 1975 Stock XS650

So far I've done the cam chain tensioner, tappets, set the points and now want to check the timing, in that order. But I'm having problems trying to set the timing using my 12 volt probe light and/or my multi-meter. So here they are (thus far).
1. As I turn the base plate, the points don't touch which would turn off the light. If I lightly squeeze the points together with my needle nose, it goes off, so I know the points are just barely apart. But again, they do not touch when turning the base plate to the max.
2. In the online Factory Manual for the 1975 (which I found on this terrific site!) in the "Setting the timing section",
it mentions, "Securely anchor the ignition advance weights into the "fully retarded" position (weights held inward)". I've read posts about setting the timing that don't mention having to do this. I've leaned toward using these posts because I don't know where the "ignition advance weights" are or how to do what it says to do, and am wondering if it's necessary since some who give instruction don't mention doing this.
3. Is there something I bend in order to get the points to make?
Thanks for help.
Additional Help, I now realize this was posted in the wrong section. I haven't been able to figure out how to Post it in the Tech section as I don't find a create a post there.

1. Ignore the instructions to securely anchor the advance weights in the fully retarded position.
2. You rotate the engine, NOT the base plate while observing when the points close. Rotating the base plate is how you adjust WHEN the points close while the engine rotates.

Thank you so much for your reply. Here's what I've done. I've rotated the crank shaft with my finger over the right side spark plug hole to ensure that I am on the compression stroke. Then I carefully turned the crank shaft using a 17 mm socket counter clockwise and got the line on the rotor right in the middle of the "F" mark on the stator. Using my 12 volt test light (the alligator clip on one side of the right side points, the other side of my test light touching the other side of that set of points) I turn the base plate and watch the points open and close as I move the base plate. The light is on as long as the points are open (ignition "on") When I turn base plate so that the points come together, they don't quite touch no matter how far I turn the base plate, but they will touch if I gently squeeze them together using needle nose, at which point the light goes off. Points worn thin? That dark brown composite part that rubs on the cam lobe worn? Can something be bent to bring points together better?

Each point is held on with a single screw. Loosen the screw and rotate the point until it closes.