Early C3 gearchange.

Hi, I have read that the early C3 (mine is 2003) suffers from a "heavy and rubbery gearchange". This quote is from a road test in a magazine of the period. Sorry I can't remember which, but my C3 felt like that.
There was a strange weight mounted on top of the gearbox linked to the gear cable that puts gears in and out, not across the gate. Disconnecting this heavy weight out of interest gave an immediate improvement in gearchange quality, but why was it there?
Citroen GB. suggested it was for eliminating some harshness, but no one else seemed to know.
In my opinion, this mod has transformed the feel to somewhat near normal, in my case, but it is easy to try if you are inquisitive.
Citroen must have thought it was important, although it was discontinued at a later time. Comments welcome.

Thanks for the heads up..did this today. Was surprised the mounting bolt had an o ring to seal it though.. i cut a spare bolt down and resealed it.

It will feel different at first so run it for a while without the weight. Don't forget to say what happens.
Mine had a rubber seal but I think this was to keep lubricant in the weight rather than sealing the gearbox oil. I put short bolt in but it may be ok without.