I think I understand a theorem if I can reconstruct the hypotheses remembering only the conclusion.  Likewise, I think I understand a theory if the axioms all seem reasonable and obvious.

However, you can't really get this on a first reading.  I usually allow myself to proceed if the proof of the theorem catches my interest enough to read the details, or seems too trivial to bother with.  If I don't think I could do it but don't care to learn, then I obviously don't appreciate enough of what I have been reading to seriously try reading more.

Perhaps the ultimate test is if you can use said theorem for something.

Making sure that you have comprehended a concept
Been having some bottom bracket (BB) woes. Noticed a click on the top of the left pedal stroke decided to re-grease the BB. Took it apart cleaned everything re-greased, put it back together. 
Roll forward a week.
Notice my cranks sticking here and there, gets progressively worse on the ride. Get it home and off the bike notice my bike has turned into a rain-stick (this provided no calming effect)
Que another strip down of the BB.
Upon inspection, I found all the bearing on the non lockring side of the where out of the cage, which now would no longer hold them. I pinched the cages with pilers to secure the ball bearings back in place. Re-greased repacked.
Lifted my bike out today for my cycle to work jingle-jingle; LOOSE BEARING!
Cycle to work was sub 3miles so risked it.
Want to take care of this ASAP, so my questions are:

1. I figure I am over-tighting the bottom bracket, causing the damage to the cage, however what else could cause?

BB info:


Campagnolo Italian threaded
plastic sleeve is in two parts, the smaller part pushes into the
other.
2 caged bearings from memory 8/9 bearings in each cage.
Two screw in cones one locking.


here is a pics of my spindle:


Brev whatever that means


2. What size bearing does an Italian threaded BB take?
