Rudy and Speedriven should reply to these questions but I will tell you what I have experienced. Consider the source.

Steve I think the protection is there going up or down. In talking to Rudy he is all about engine preservation and longevity. Once you get comfortable( and it won't take long)with the paddle shifters it becomes second nature and you are going more by engine sound and feel. I like the firm down shifts as it is very close to a manual downshift droping the clutch and engine braking but with out all the left foot movement and related time. Much less chance of an unwanted shift with the paddle shifters than runing with your hand on the auto stick.

Les the one in my car shifts at 6000 on the nose. I am not sure if Rudy will be able to customize to a higher RPM shift or not. He told me he had originaly thought about a 6200 shift but backed off to 6000 for engine safety. The cool thing about it is if you are at say 5000 to 5500 coming into a turn and momentarily lift it will not up shift and you can get right back in it. For me I do like the fact that it will shift at the set red line. Rudy shared his thought about that saying that many potiential buyers were sporting some serious rw hp and may be running a tad lean top of 3rd and he felt in the long run it might not be a good idea to linger in that teritory for extended time.

Doc I wish you had said something. You know you would have been more than welcome to take the wheel.

I hope Rudy will come on and give you all better answers.