Success at last with the door handle rod! Persevered with the rods as opposed to using the solenoid as I know the method works on other kits.
Rebent a new rod using a bit more heat on the bends to get them tighter and took Nostromo’s advice to use wire rope grips. I also repositioned the Sierra rod to attach underneath the MR2 rod so it was pulling rather than pushing from above.
Cable tie around where the rod slots into the door handle and feels a lot better in terms of the action. Door opens without needing to pull the door handle fully.
Need to repeat this now on the passenger side, door cards back in and a bit more black painting around the inner edge of the door then it’s ready for the MOT.