You know, the PTO lever on the Fordson is sluggish as well. I've always just accepted the action. but will look into the friction aspect and see if it can not be made better.
But you know, I have never even looked at the linkage, just pulled on the lever until the PTO engaged. this for over thirty years.
And it worked much the same just yesterday when I had the old gal out for a "frisky". ;-)