transmission question

when i first bought my car the shift knob wouldn't move into first gear unless i put the cluth all the way to the floor, (2002 accord) and my friends 2002 civic would go in and out of gear easily without putting the clutch in.... all of this is with the car off and the keys not in the ignition. Recently my car's shift knob easily moved in and out of gear with no help from the clutch in the same situation. about 30,000 miles later..... what does this mean? is this bad? whats up if anything? is this wear and tear or normal automotive break in? why could the civic do this the day it was bought and my accord not?