I love that little FW, and have one just like it that my kids gave me for Christmas a couple of years ago--so I guess mine was free too, huh? And mine runs stiffly too. It isn't as easy or quiet as my black FWs, but I figured that was just one of the traits of the white/beige ones. It sews beautifully, though, so I just use it, use it, use it, when I am piecing and happen to remember that I have it.
I looked back, and the bobbin winder is up on yours, so that isn't causing your stiffness.