Yeah...I agree with the '2 stage'-ness of opening it and you're right it's definitely something mechanical versus something that's goopy/sticky *shrug*.
Do you find it gets "worse" in the hot/warm weather? If I go out now (10:25pm) it likely won't do jack.
I told the gf and she rolls her eyes...meh...for an 8wk old car I expect the door handle to work goshdarn it
In all honesty, I'd likely just take it into the dealer and have them 'fix' it...I'm not incredibly mechanically inclined. Well, I did install a smoked licence plate cover on my front plate /struts
I'll keep people posted.