Just a bit of a conclusion to the thread that at least shows that I do take on board peoples' suggestions. So I re-formed the gear shift using plastic bushes (from Igus Ltd hence the delay/wait), now they feel much lighter, mind you the overall saving on the two pedals is only 105gms. Oh yes have also made a brake pedal to match.
Other possible candidates for reproducing in FCF are: Prop stand, suspension rocker.