i had the same issue-- the LBS slackened off the brakes for me, so the levers were easier to engage and also put shimano 'shims' (little rubber wedges) in between the lever ends and the hoods to bring them closer to the hoods so i could use them easier as my small hands did not have the power otherwise to engage the brakes-- the slackening of the brake tension and the shims has worked quite well for me-- and i am developing also the hand strength.

batsheva