Answer for Instructions for the faucet appear to say install the washer, gasket then the retaining ring. If the sequence they are installed is gasket, washer, retaining ring, (ie, washer and gasket are reversed) will the faucet any less stable (ie, wobble) when pressure is applied to the base?

Hello Ken,
 
I apologize for any troubles you might have had experienced.
 
To answer your question, the sequence from underneath should be gasket, washer and then retaining ring.  That way you can really torque the retaining ring enabling you to also tighten the bolts if required , additionally the bolts will not break the gasket.
 
Should you have any other questions please send a message to customer.service@conglom.com
 
-Customer Service