I do hope I'm not out of line here, but I read this post earlier this week, and I've been thinking a lot about it ever since. . . .
I have decided that I must respectfully disagree with your opinion about the phrase "slightly crushed."
I absolutely agree that, in most cases, using weak words like "slightly" is not a good idea.
I've read "Writing Magic" a couple of times and am currently reading "Writer to Writer" so I am familiar with the concept, and I understand why you say to avoid such words.

However, in the context here, I think "slightly crushed" is actually better than "squeezed" and definitely better than just "crushed".
"Squeezed" to me actually seems rather weak by itself. It doesn't create the feeling of intense affection that "slightly crushed" does.
It could be a brief and fleeting moment, even a half hearted one.

"Crushed" by itself seems too intense, and possibly violent. Even if not taken literally, it brings to mind an unhealthy relationship where one person dominates the other and crushes their personality, dreams, etc. . .

To me putting a weak word like "slightly" and a strong word like "crushed" together expresses the idea perfectly. The two words seems humorously at odds, and have always brought a smile to my face whenever I have read your quote.
It makes me picture a person with their cheek squished against the other person's cheek as they receive an unexpected hug. I see in their face a mixture of emotions:
Surprise, perhaps some discomfort if the hug is a bit too tight, but also joy at being so fiercely loved.
Just my two cents. . .
Thanks for all the inspiration and advice!

Thanks for your two cents!

Gail wrote: "Thanks for your two cents!"
You are welcome. :}