Yes, drove mine before I bought.

I noticed the shifter issue then. IF I was intending to autocross the car, or otherwise thrash it to where miliiseconds made a difference, I would have passed on the car on the basis of the notchy gearbox alone.

But I wasn't looking for a drag car or autocrosser (that's why I ordered the Elise). On balance, for ME, what the car does right outweighed the clunky gearbox, given my intended usage.

I know you autocross your car, and indicate you have had some success getting it around the cones and beating other sports cars. That may be more a function of your experience, as you describe it, than the capabilites of the car. You would have to admit that if the shifter were smoother, and steering more precise, you'd likely improve on what you indicate are already very good performances.