100% agree with lever design and safety issues. Many riders I know wrapped them in bartape or used special jitsie pads to eliminate sharp parts.
But I don't understand why people are so obsessed with firm lever feel. Usually, it hurts finger when brake is squeezed too much.
If a spongy lever fully actuates brake and not hitting a grip or middle finger – it's fine + less arm pump.
I had "slow engage" issue with my old freewheel. Turned out pawls were badly worn around pivoting part and they easily got out from sockets. You should check hub's internals unless it's too late.
If driver body is aluminum, then pawls' sockets look a bit thin. I've seen other hubs, where it was slightly bent inward from pedalkicks, thus making bearing unevenly squeezed.