2013 Octavia II, on the front passenger seat there is no issue to recline the back rest, but when moving it back forward it is very "laggy" and feels like it locks up. Putting my hand behind the seat back and lifting while turning knob forward helps, but still a bit finicky.

Adjustment knob feels a but wobbly, like it is not tight fitting. Could the seat incline adjustment be affected by a damaged adjustment wheel? - and is this wheel/knob just to pull off and klick a new one in place?...

Appreciate any input from someone with similar experience.

I have no experience with the seat adjustment on Mk2 Octavias but some on the Mk1. I would suggest there are some similarities.

On the Mk 1, the knob itself was a poor fit on the metal part behind and often became loose and spun free or came off.

Another cause was the shaft working in a worn "bearing" at the other end to the knob shaft.

This is all a long time ago for me but I suggest you look in the Mk 1 forum for clues and fixes then see if they could apply to your car.