Thanks for the suggestion,
I did yank on it a few times but it did not come out and was weary of applying too much force. However, the force must have done something to it because it now works better, the flow is restored and the valve feels smoother albeit still stiffer than a new faucet.
So I’ll keep it for awhile, then when I finish redoing my rough plumbing (PEX) and I’ll buy a new one.
Thanks