I have not had that one. I did have the ridges on the basket which did make it a little harder and not so smooth on the engagement, but it sounds like it could be more. I would pull the cover and start working it and try to see whats going on. The deal that the cable mounts to on the motor comes right out with the cable off. It uses a flat spot on a round pin to push the clutch rod over. If it wears the corner off, its causes problems. If for some reason the rod gets bent or, the clutch cover gets smashed, it can cause issues. One time I smashed the brake pedal into the cover and it made a real loud rattlin noise every time I pulled the clutch in. It wasn't hard to pull in, but probably wasn't far off.
"Never been in there", well, you won't be able to say that anymore. Might as well inspect clutches and steels and all that. If that basket is all ridges, Hinson replacement is the way to go. Way smooth after dealing with ridges.
I have a couple more vids posted up too. You're lucky to get out there and wear it out, mine have been parked too long.