I am in the process of replacing the plastic release latches with aluminum replacements on our Lazy-Boys. For a few dollars, there is a world of difference in quality. Measure carefully so that you get the correct replacement size. With a little practice, it takes 5 minutes or less to replace the latch and cable. IDK of BIFL brand recliners, but this is an EZ upgrade when the cheap part wears out.
Oh, that's a good one. The plastic release latch on mine had snapped a few months ago but I was able to fix it by poking a hole in the plastic latch and wrapping a wire around the end of the metal pull wire (think bicycle brake wire) to get a good grip on it and to stop it slipping off.