When the Bell 212/412 are fitted with Sperry Helipilots there is a prefixed friction settings for the cyclic. It helps reduce issues with feedback felt by the Helipilots and makes the aircraft fly much smoother.
Why would the same not hold for a hand held cyclic?
Put on a slight bit of friction and check for the difference in feel in the aircraft. UH-1 Hueys are very good demonstrators for this. I call it the Huey Wobble. But then....I am just one guy with an opinon.