I'm using a totally stock setup with the non-IUP shifter. I try not to force the shifter in and usually wait for the synchros to do the work or let the RPMs drop before trying to slide it into the gate.

 

I'm with ya on missing 2nd gear shifts. Although I haven't missed a shift while driving a friends GT, I miss 2nd gear in my Honda Prelude all the time. They may not be related, but I think I have to hold the clutch a hair longer to get the shifter to slide in and catch at the right time. 3rd has never been a problem for me in ANY car I've ran hard... I guess I have that movement down. If I miss a shift... it's always 2nd.

 

I put Amsoil in my 3650 and it shifted better and was a lot less noisy. I added a Hurst C-Plus and now I can speed shift with no problems. The Hurst seems to be a lot stiffer than the stock shifter.

 

Second is a PITA for me sometimes as well. I feel like I'm a pretty good driver, but I miss that shift in the Mustang much more than I have in my other cars, when I rarely did.