Nah, you're not the only one. I picked up a Citica and a Curado at the same time last year. The Curado was/is fantastic, but the Citica was a dud. It cast fairly well, but the drag wouldn't fully back off and the gearing was noticeably rougher than the Curado.
I made a few casts in the yard, put it back in the box, and sold it on a local forum. I have no interest in ever owning another one. If I needed/wanted another reel in that price range I'd be looking at the Pro Qualifier, Revo S, Pflueger Asaro, or maybe an Okuma Cayenne.
you must have gotten a dud, I have a Citica D and love it. I have two more Citica E's on the way. I think it is just as smooth as my Revo STX.