Stuart, some comments on both points, now 5 months into my ownership:
- gearshift. I thought it was dreadful during slow manoeuvring, but that ALL changed when some saint gave me the start up tip, which I assume you know, but will repeat: put key in, turn to dash light up position, and leave it there for 4 seconds or so - I wait until the airbag light stops flashing - and then start. "butter smooth" slow driving shifts!
Other end of spectrum - 60ms shifts. Its not easy at first to appreciate when these happen, but they really are something. Like a shotgun recoil.... I feel them most consistently: in race mode, engine warm, over 5000rpm and when flat out. The last part is subtle, unless the accelerator is really mashed, it will just do the "regular" shift.
Xpipe: I went back and forth, the Ferrari/Maser dealer even told me "the stradale is the best sounding car in the world - don't spoil it", but I eventually did it. It does sound raspier, especially cold. I am really on the fence, but all my car nut mates (ferrari included) agree it sounds wonderful now still. I would say try it and see, maybe recording before and after.
Enjoy!