When opening the bottom tailgate it seems as if that either the tailgate button is not engaging with the mechanism correctly as i have to really press it in hard to get some response and its as if the latches at the side are sticking at times ….

Might try some WD40 to see if that it'll cure it either that or put a match to the f r ...

Make sure it is latching properly when you close it

The mechanism can become sticky so a good dose of WD40 should help