I released the cable and poured some paraffin inside to clean. Then put in some spray lube (not wd40)
the cable moves freely inside the guide, I could not feel any resistance and the clutch lever (engine end) is also very light to operate with one finger!

ONce I reinstalled the cable ends and set the free play, the stiffness came back

So I guess I am loosing some muscle strength in my forearm! Tennis elbow???