You can use a white lithium or Teflon powder, available as a dry spray lubricant where the aerosol solvent almost immediately dries. Don't use lithium grease or any other grease, as it might trap grit or fine sand.
I ordered a set of the replacement black plastic collars from Manfrotto/Gitzo and after unscrewing and rotating out the receiving tube the violating member I was able to replace these two plastic collars and amazingly, the tripod is as good as new. Something must have caused the plastic collar to do something it was not supposed to do. In any event I am glad that I have a set of these plastic collars in reserve should another sticky issue with a leg pop up again. Now I know how to deal with it.
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