shift interrupt switch?

[dhindelang]

I have a Yamaha 2006 150TLR that is hard to shift. Looking at the shift rod where it contacts the blue plastic block in the channel, there are two switches in that assembly. I presume the top one is the neutral position switch and the bottom one an ignition interrupt switch or am I mistaken? When the shifter is moved back and forth, the bottom switch is never engaged. The plastic arm that makes contact with it remains stationary. I can move the whole assembly and make the switch engage and it shows closed on my ohm meter, but doesn't activate in normal usage. Could there possibly be a part missing or some kind of adjustment I don't understand? Is that not the function of the switch to interrupt the ignition like an inboard outboard does? Well talked to a mechanic and he said that the rpm is the only factor for smooth shifting. I'm running about 800 rpm and would like to drop that to about 650. Does anyone know how? Thanks. Doug