[EC900]

A little lubrication on the engine area joints will help. The t-rod at the trans can be disconnected to check the condition of the nylon bushings on the b-crank, they look new but my be out of round.

As far as the pedal cluster bushings very likely the source of the hang up…it’s not as difficult task as seems, but much easier if you remove the seat.
If the pedal cluster is the same as Mid Years, the bushings (2) can be replaced simply pull a small cotter pin and linkage can be put aside, no major dismantling.

Good lighting, steady hands, magnetic pick tool because the pin might drop out or go missing, maybe reading glasses to find the hole for the cotter pin and no seat seat in the way. New bushings can be oem nylon or bronze, I used nylon at the time because bronze were no in stock, lube nylon bushes with light coat of silicone paste for good measure.

There are 3 nylon bushings for cable in the tunnel along driver side held in place by bendable tabs, they can contribute to sticking as without them it may cause rod and cable to hang up. A console, shifter and handbrake all need to be removed. You can see with an inspection mirror thru the front and rear tunnel inspection holes if these bushings (at least 2) are disintegrated and broken before going through the process.