Operator error. That's what I think is going on. The spring isn't broken, however just pulling the choke knob out won't cause the plate to move. Push the accelerator down and pull the choke knob and the choke works as expected. My guess is that all's good and it's been that way all along, I've just never tried to actuate the choke while diddling around under the hood before.
Color me embarrassed, RonR
