Over time the choke lever on the stock carb becomes very hard to move in-out. To the point the plastic **** on the end can be pulled off the shaft. Has anyone found a good way to keep the choke from sticking?

 

It is a fuel enrichener.
Thus it it vented and allows air to blow dry the fuel and if dust can get in, it will clog up.
Just like oiling your cables. Twice a year unscrew choke assembly and clean.
Spray alittle WD40 onto q-tip and clean choke bore. Wipe off plunger-spray wd and reassemble.