Hearing "scratches/pops" are classic dirty/corroded contacts problem, particularly as contacts age over years. One sees it (actually, hears it) on pots, pedals, or whatever in/out jacks all the time. Wiggling --or even replacing-- that ground fuse would not have cured it from my understanding of that fuse's purpose.
You didn't get that jack noise at your gig, which is good! But I'd personally not rely on that for the next time. Take it out and squirt generously with De-Oxit, or a quality contact cleaner (that also leaves a lubed residue to retard future corrosion), then insert the cable and twist, turn, jostle more along with another good squirt. Reassemble and hopefully that's your real fix.
Edward