The XF is my first experience with an Autostick.
My 92 Talon was a stick and I've driven many sticks.

However, I don't race and am very satisfied with the autostick.

I've only had 2 issues with it.
1. This is really and issue with me. Early on, I'd accidently tap the stick left out of drive when I was starting the car and putting it in D. Now I gotten in the habit of tapping the stick right after I have it in D.
2. When downshifting/upshifting, there is a slight delay. Much like the throttle delay when accellerating. I'm sure this is by design. Silly me, expecting instantanious gear shifting.