Rather than start another thread, today I've had the gear stick out - started as another job, but don't they all!
The rubber bush at the rear had thick, coagulated grease in that was more like Evo-Stik. The bearing in the pivot had also seized for the same reason. I've cleaned and washed both of these out and regreased, also tried to force a fingerful of grease into the front bush but have taken enough skin off my hands for today.
Haven't been out for a drive yet as it's Persistantly Raining up here, but with the clutch down it feels sweeter still!