Originally Posted by
SoSmellyAir
Yes, but in the RD context you have already applied the first unit of force to move the first distance in the first shift.
That is because the geometry of the RD parallelogram. Each shift to the next larger cog involves a distance that is slightly greater than the previous shift.
And that force applied doesnt go away. As you move the shift lever to the next shift you have to meet the force applied already, then add the next bit of force.
Pick up a derailleur and push it from H to L. The force increases as you approach L.
Then push on any spring. Each new distance requires more force than the last. That's a normal spring rate.