I also find this topic very interesting. I just went out and took a look at mine as well, only 512km so far on the bike.
I was also a little confused as to what was meant by free play. As soon as I touch the lever and start to disengage the clutch the actuator arm also starts to move.
When I pull back the ferrel on the lever end, as described by warp9.9 it pulls back about 3mm, then as I squeeze the lever, it takes up the slack before moving the clutch actuator arm.
No problems finding neutral. As for putting it into 1st from neutral sometimes I have to double clutch....if that makes sense. Never a problem while downshifting from second.