I agree with the clutch dragging which would make it a PITA to get into 2nd or shift
As for spur gear trannies my father had a Mercury 3 Ton with an Eaton transmission that also had spur gears. OMG was that a chore to shift while even double clutching
It was also quite noisy in certain gears due to this but my father could shift it double clutch method like it was totally synchronized with never a clash or grind. The clutch could be dragging but also what about the pilot bushing? If it is dry or the grease/oil lining it is dried out or gone can also cause dragging.