Correct, there are holes around the bottom of the basket. If something is in the outer tub, like a sock or sash, you may be able to grab it that way. Maybe make a hook from a coat hanger if you need to reach toward the sump in back.
When reassembling the wash plate, the bolts are supposed to be tightened in a specific sequence. There should be numbers embossed on the inner dome. An arrow for #1, then 2 through 6 for the rest. They're supposed to be tightened to a specific torque, seems like 110 or 120 inch-lbs IIRC (not at home to check the details right now). That basically means thoroughly snug, but not tight as hell.