Thought it was the caliper at first prior to posting. I had it apart, cleaned it and reinstalled. While doing so I played with the brake lever and brake cable...there is much resistance/Stickiness in both directions (pulling or pushing the cable from either end).

I also think the routing of the cable is suspect as well as it doesn't seem to enter the caliper straight on rather as it enters it seems to rub slightly against the adjustment screw..