You don't mention in your question which head you are using but in my experience the only Manfrotto head I've ever used that I think any good in the geared 405. Every other Manfrotto head I've used (405 is not perfect) has needed very regular servicing to keep it all locking nice and tight. Its funny, usually as stuff gets worn and in need of servicing, it get all tight and stiff. However, with tripod heads its the opposite and it gets all loose and won't tighten up easily????
IMO, the Manfrotto 055XPRO is the best value tripod money can buy! You will need to spend considerably more to get a better set of legs. If looking at tripods of a similar size, unless you are after a particular feature like smaller folded size or removable column its hard to recommend any over the 055.
I have an 055XPRO and the Gitzo GT3542LS. Both pretty similar heights and weights (actually 400g more for the 055) and I would find it hard to justify the price difference (UK) of £150 for the 055 and £650 for the Gitzo based on
basic camera support only. Sure the Gitzo is much smaller folder, is carbon and 400g less weight (but feels the same as the 055), has better leg locks, built in spiked feet and has a higher load capacity but £500 difference?
Where the Gitzo and in particular the Systematic range shines and make it all worth the money you pay for them is the removable column. Its a true system with one set of tripod legs that can do many, many things and why I
LOVE mine. Columns both rapid and geared, levelling bases, video head half bowls, lateral arms etc, etc, etc. I'm always swapping and changing mine about for different jobs and currently as I type this I have a Systematic tripod (Series 5) with a G535 lateral arm shooting some objects overhead next to me.
Sorry to waffle on but my recommendation would be to look at really nice heads first (Arca Swiss?) with your current 055 legs because this might change your mind about needing better legs?