Relative to the inordinate amount of force required to raise the lever from it's closed position .. I introduced a SMALL radius @ the appropriate corner of the lever. It can be seen in this pic at the pivot end of the lever .. at the extreme left of that piece .. at the 9 o'clock position just left of the pivot pin of the lever. I cut the initial radius with an Eze-Lap Diamond Hone & Stone. Then I polished it using a dremel tool & buffing compound.