Excessive shifter resistance

[Oran]

And also... there are screw-on cable ends avaliable for cheap!

I didn't know braided gear cables could be bought. My search's only bring up outer cable with a braided pattern on the outside. I assume you mean cable which has the individual strands crossed over each other. Wire rope made that way is more flexible than if simply twisted.

I haven't seen screw on ends for gear cables either, you much have much better bike shops in Quebec.