When you get this issue fixed, try printing something at the edges. This thermal images seems pretty disappointing and I don't think at 82C ABS will stick...
http://www.soliforum.com/post/79972/#p79972
Then again I've only heard good things about MK2 so maybe its just a bad version of Mk2 (Mk2 is just a design, many companies make or sell it) or its not an issue in practice.
So yeah, try it out when you get the time. If it sticks and you don't see warping, you're good.
And next step for you will probably be fixing backlash.

As for the brittle spool, don't throw it away yet. Keep it in a dry place and it should eventually release the moisture, if there is any. Some have speeded this up by placing their spools in an oven (don't remember the temp) or dehumidifier.
Then check if it became more elastic.

I buy all my ABS from octave. Works great.

On the brightside, I had to change some things in my order and substitute parts w others and I told SD anout the brittle spool, guy said hes sending new spool out today...SD doing the right thing, not sure if all the recent bitching and bad press on social media lately is making them change or what but nontheless ill have a new spool. Now what to do w this almost full spool of junk

SD can be a pain to deal with. They've dropped the ball on a parts order I had recently, but when I spoke with them, they sent my order out same day. Did I get the right parts? No. Did they fix that? You bet. My last experience with them was above and beyond. And that was well before the Press ever left China.

Keep the bad filament sealed and free of moisture. You can use it to make some slurry to combat lifting or as glue without tapping into your good filament.
OR! You could use it for target shooting which is pretty ok

I'd say either moist filament or clogged/semi-clogged nozzle.
Since you say the filament is brittle, likely moist. I've used two SD filament rolls. Not the best (dark points in places) but sure doesn't break easily.

Or maybe they sent you PLA instead of ABS, heard of such mix-ups before.

BTW I see you got an MK2 heater. Does it keep the filament from un-sticking/warping closer to the edges? Mine is lost in shipping.

On the brightside, I had to change some things in my order and substitute parts w others and I told SD anout the brittle spool, guy said hes sending new spool out today...SD doing the right thing, not sure if all the recent bitching and bad press on social media lately is making them change or what but nontheless ill have a new spool. Now what to do w this almost full spool of junk

Or maybe they sent you PLA instead of ABS, heard of such mix-ups before.

BTW I see you got an MK2 heater. Does it keep the filament from un-sticking/warping closer to the edges? Mine is lost in shipping.

So far im less then happy...ive had it break on spool in random spots super brittle (ABS btw) and whats deal w raggity layers and gunk on gear