As predicted, after working it and letting it sit heavily lubed for the better part of a week, the action on my #97 has improved. The pull is now about 4, and the wall & talk isn't nearly as shy anymore, it even chats a little to me now. Pull is smooth, silly smooth.
That said, I still can't get past the light pull, as I had intentions of using this knife as it's design is intended. Woods work. Rope cutting. Light wood work. Hunting work, gutting and skinning deer. And I just don't feel comfortable doing that with a knife that had a pull so light, and a blade that has sooo much leverage. If my Texas Rose had a pull this light, I'd be ok with it, as I intend to put that one away. But I got a Tidioute as a user and this is pretty much just an darn good looking, 5 ounce, $110+ apple slicer/letter opener.
I appreciate the worksmanship GEC put into this knife, dont get me wrong. Its useability is just extremely limited, to me.