First, welcome! Any man whose wife drives a CSVT has my respect...
As to linkage binding, there are many reports of problems with the shifter cables. You may want to do a search on that issue.
The clutch slave is bled through the bleeder on top of the tranny housing, accessible through the engine compartment. And while the clutch and brakes aren't completely closed systems, they basically act that way, with air being able to be trapped at the slave cylinder or brake piston end of the lines.
Scott
