Did you get this resolved? I'm having same problem on my 06 after my clutch cable snapped. The push rod shaft got spun around after the cable broke, so I took the clutch springs/pressure plate out to re-seat the shaft against the push rod(counterclockwise), and resembled exactly how it was before according to service manual. Like you, only thing I can think of is the plates may need to be soaked; also like you, the clutch tension is much tighter even though they are the same exact springs.
Anyone know of a trustworthy/knowledgeable place/person to take my bike in Tallahassee?