About the ignition switch:

If I remember correctly, there are two cables that run from the shifter mechanism to the ignition switch. It might be possible that when you reassembled everything you changed the routing/position of these cables slightly. Again, if I remember correctly, the cables are routed on the left side of the center console piece either on the inside or outside of the left air duct that feeds heat to the back seat foot area. A change in the orientation of this cable might explain you ignition switch stiffness.