Well, this is embarassing, but just to save someone who might face a similar issue in the future:
There should be a brake return spring (plus extension) and a clutch return spring in the vicinity of the clutch linkage.
After returning from the shop, the brake return spring is hooked to the hole where the clutch
spring should go (per the factory assembly manual), and the clutch return spring is .... missing!!!
Will order all new springs and install myself this time. I'm sure that will resolve the issue.
Thanks to Guitplayer, BC59, and Hot Rod Lincoln, for all your help!
PM
