Tub spout diverter pushes small amount of water to shower head when in the tub (non-diverted) position. I know, get a new spout...

1) It's a Nickel plated matched set
2) It's done this since day 1
3) It does NOT leak if I simply remove the diverter washer
4) The washer looks to be in EXCELLENT condition

Number 3 is the most interesting. Of course the diverter doesn't work without the washer, but why in the heck would removing the washer make it stop leaking out the shower head? The washer *should* make it divert when it's engaged. But it's also making it divert when it's *not* engaged.

I'm saying that the washer is somehow diverting a small amount of water to the shower head when I'm using the spout, not the shower... shower head is always dribbling. Remove the washer, and the shower head dribbling stops.

I want to fix this, not replace it. It makes no sense.