I have the same problem with my TD2. The cleat requires a good 30 kilos of force to get the rope out initially, so I usually take the rope out before launching, its easier to re-adjust before the rope gets jammed in there tight.
I'd say the biggest killer of anyform of rope is seasalt, wash it out before it dries, crystalises and wrecks fibers, (I'm guessing the wax was to waterproof the rope... good idea

). I know this because I used to wash my bar and lines almost as soon as I got outof the water, but not my bridle. The tightly woven rope in the bridel, which I think is water resistant didn't wear, because it doesnt need to provide much flex is as new, but the pigtails on the bridel are worn to hell... going to replace them this week.
Sand will also do this, but to a lesser extent.