Eureka! Due to all the efforts of all of you, I got it figured out (I think)!
The two tabs sticking up on my reel are just the remnants of that trident shaped "clicker" in Fred's photo! The middle part that is supposed to bump against the grooved piece on the shaft is broken off and gone! All that's left are the two tabs that were part of the whole piece that was riveted onto the slide! Look at the insert- picture that part broken at the red lines. What are you left with? Two tabs sticking up!
I got suspicious after reading the new replies and then looking real close at the tabs- they were of two slightly different heights and the ends were angled slightly different. Yup- tabs broken off from the main piece that provided the click. That broken off piece is gone. That part was made of spring steel which would not survive any bending. Some owner probably tried to adjust it and broke it right off, or as someone mentioned, it was just a serious design flaw!
Thank all of youn's for all the help! OK, I now have two broken reels from Ebay!
At least the old spinner I just picked up at the flea market works! And it labeled Bronson so I know for sure! Best--- JoeW
And PS- Tom, the bail DOES open if you bang the rotor backwards hard enough! Maybe a good idea, but very poor execution! Feels like the handle's going to break off!