This immediately cleared up the creakiness and play that i was experiencing on the left side of the screen. I tightened all screws and not just the ones on the left side. Do this at your own risk, obviously, but this immediately rectified my issue!
7/22 update:
So on Friday, I noticed a slight creak returned. I removed the black strip of foam that has been discussed in this thread. Since Friday, with heavy use, no creak, no play, no screen rise

8/02 update:
Since removing the sponge, the play in the screen and the creaks have not returned. I see others havent had as much luck with it but, for me, I can say it did the trick.