Ive been driving it like this all year but im pretty sure my buddies SVO had a easier clutch pedal to push in...and thats cable. I know im not that weak lol. Im wondering what would cause a semi hard to push in hydraulic clutch pedal? Its either a stock clutch or maybe some duralast clutch who knows what PO did.
might be the bearing retainer. they're aluminum and can get galled up over time, especially if they have never been lubed and/or the release bearing is worn out...
...or, PO could have installed stiffer pressure plate. the clutch disc itself has no effect on pedal effort.
I've used stage II pressure plates with little or no increase in pedal resistance. Don't know about anything heavier. I agree on the bearing retainer idea as a very possible cause.