Do they get easier with time?? I just fitted mine yesterday and followed the advice of not doing the bolt through the middle to tight as it makes for stiff gear changes, I testes it out properly today and I am pleased with the difference but I would not be able to do fast changes as it's a lot stiffer to get in gear than my old standard one.

done mine about 2 years ago ,not sure if it gets easier you just get used to it

it just feels different with the new bushings in matey!! thats all it is, when i changed my bushings it was fookin wierd for a day or two.

No it doesnt tend to free up much, but it might a bit. It takes more effort to change gear because the lever is shorter! I found this when i did my rover too, wasnt sure at first but its great when your used to it.