I agree the shift pattern is a bit long and you can definitely feel the gate going into 2nd. However, until a shorter shift kit is available, I have no issues with mine. The popping out of gear problem, I think seems to be an early model run problem from what I have seen on the forum. It appeared to have been a locking key problem.
I have my own thoughts about the jerky shifts. Mine is very smooth now but it came by getting used to the car. BUT I think that a lot of the jerky shifting is related to the pause in the throttle! I know what your thinking, but just think about it! If you quickly mash the gas, there is a distinct pause before it revs. All of us who are used to standards , automatically release the clutch hit the gas instinctively as we have on all our other cars, but the Xfires "pause" gives you the jerk. I've been told that the proper chip will remove the pause OR you just get used to it, as I have. I can shift very, very smoothly now, so when I get a chip, I'll probably have to train myself again.