So having had a look at this hub, it's quite hard to rotate the axle by hand, fairly stiff, but is fine mounted. Anyone who has one, is that how they are? Other than being a little stiff it's fine, no play and evenly tensioned etc.

Sound about right.

Yeah - you're turning against the magnets. Once spinning you'll not notice.

Yep, that's like mine (used to be like).