Rs1 - Yep, it only went to them because of the slow-shifting problem, I'd run out of possibilities. As I say, I'll be bolting it back in over the weekend hopefully, since it'll be returning to me tomorrow.
Jim Galbally - AP 4 paddle clutch as above
1. I am using an AP 4 paddle clutch. Bite point was very low, so I fitted a manual adjust clutch pedal and new cable, plus a brand new Ford clutch lever arm at the gearbox end. Even with the slack taken up (using the adjustor at the pedal end) in the clutch cable, i.e. no free play in the clutch pedal - giving FULL effective travel of the pedal, this problem persists.
So you see, there
should be no reason for the clutch not to be disengaging properly, though, as you say, it sounds clutch release-related. At low speeds/idle I can bat the gear lever around with ease, but under load and at normal use speeds, it resists.
I'll emphasise again that I won't take any offence at the most ridiculous of suggestions, not many of you know me so I could be a dunce with an airgun for all you know!